1 Chr 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
Timelines are a crucial way of understanding history and biblical accounts. The ages of these historical figures also give light to their moments which pertain to the greater context. When David spoke in 1 Chronicles 22:5, the age of Solomon was not revealed. Many scholars put Solomon at about 14 years old. No one is exactly sure of his age, but the words of David combined with historical accounts would lean toward a very young Solomon.
If so, this means that David was imprinting on his young son concerning the things of God. David wanted to make certain that Solomon understood the necessity of the Temple. The blueprints were already made and the provisions were being put into place long before Solomon assumed the throne.
Good fathers cast visions. Great fathers spend their lives gathering provisions for the vision. Legacy fathers set the future in order for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
It has been noted that modern-day America has waged a war against strong men. Many of our schools have sought to feminize the classrooms, making young boys behave like little girls. Commercials have depicted dads as “the dumb dad”, while movies and shows feature weak men being led by their wives or some uncontrollable lust. This plays into the spirit of the age where men are reduced and manhood is redefined. All of it is outside of God’s design for men and fathers.
We have an opportunity to present ourselves as men with vision, men with provision, and men with sight of the Kingdom. We can change the course of our sons and daughters by being spiritually strong and faithful to the Word. If our church is to grow in the Holy Spirit, it will take men to lead in worship and service. The alternative is an unpleasant image where men become backseat members with no voice and no passion. I’ve seen too many fathers follow instead of lead. It pains me to see the end result of households void of convictions. We must become the men God intended us to be.
While I honor all men, fathers and husbands, the greater word is challenge. I pray that we will. My hope is that we are!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole