Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Passing The Touch”

*DAILY BREAD – A DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN*

Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Children’s Ministries

*THEME: I WILL GO*

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

*Topic: Passing the Torch*

_Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, 1 Kings 2:3_

It was just before his death, that David delivered to Solomon a very sober instruction – parting words or a kind of “Last Lecture.” Scripture tells us, “When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son” (v. 1). What can we learn from David’s last words to his son? Notice first the point of emphasis: “Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways” (v. 3). Above all, David instructed Solomon in obedience to God and His Word. Because Solomon was already a man of faith, David personalized things by saying, “the Lord your God.” Since Solomon was a man of faith, David called him to act upon that faith in obedience.

This passage teaches us two important lessons about God’s “way.” First, God’s way is clear. David referred Solomon to God’s commands “as written in the Law of Moses” (v. 3). We do not have to guess how God wants us to live; He has already given us instructions in His Word. How important it is, then, to study and know God’s Scripture to us!

Second, we see that God’s Word is beneficial. After exhorting Solomon to obedience, David explained: “So that you may prosper . . . and that the Lord may keep his promise to me” (vv. 3-4). God’s commands are for our own good. Obedience is part of finding enjoyment and blessing in God. David’s instructions did not neglect the nitty-gritty of kingdom politics (vv. 5-12), but the emphasis is clear: faithful obedience to God’s Word is central to Solomon’s security and blessing. David knew the importance of God’s blessing and that the way to receive His blessing was to stay within His will by walking in obedience to all that God says. God’s blessing is a supernatural, wonderful, and unlimited goodness given only by God. Psalm 1:2 says, “his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.”

Perhaps today’s emphasis upon obedience seems unusual. Does not God grant His favor unconditionally? Indeed, He does. But Jesus reminds us that the Christian life must include obedience. The wise man not only hears His words, but “puts them into practice” (Matt. 7:24). Only then will one enjoy the security and blessing of a sure foundation in times of trouble. As children of God bought by the precious blood of Christ Jesus who died on the cross to save us from sin, our conduct, behaviour, actions, attitudes, and motive is equally important if we are to walk in His ways and honour His name – and should be wholeheartedly embraced. Ask God today for a renewed heart of obedience to His Word, that you may know the joy and blessing of walking in the way of your God.

*Song*
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey

*Refrain*
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

*Prayer*

Father, I deeply desire to walk in Your ways and to live in spirit and truth. Help me to abide in Christ, to love as He loved, and in all things to say, “Thy will not mine be done.” Help me Lord, to live by faith alone, to trust Your Word implicitly, and to be submissive to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Help me to follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ Who did only those things that were good and righteous in Your eyes. May I die to self and live for Christ, Help me to be strong, courageous, and obey your word that I may experience all the good you’ve designed for my life in it. Amen