Saturday 3 October, 2020

23 These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs: 2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ 5 “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. 6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. 7 Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.”

When this passage talks about “David’s last words”, I don’t think it means that these were the sentences that he uttered before just before his dying breath. Rather, it is more like his final closing statement – How I Want To Be Remembered.

Let’s take a look at what David, one of the most famous people in all of history, records as his most valuable legacy:

1. “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue” – He knew God’s word and His ways and was able to speak them to others.
2. “When one rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning…” – He lived in the fear of God and knew that his life brought light to those around him.
3. “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant…” – He was confident that he was right with God and his eternal future was secure.

What’s interesting, is that he doesn’t mention his great achievements such as being a mighty warrior, a King, and very wealthy as his legacy. David’s statements are quite simple and profound, and actually attainable for us all.

This is a great reminder to each one of us about what is ultimately important and lasting in this life, and my prayer is that these things may also be said of me…

That I knew God – His word and His ways, and shared it with others. That I lived in the fear of the Lord and brought light to those around me. And finally, that I was confident of my standing with God and knew my eternal future is secure with Him.  That’s how I want to be remembered.

Written by Shelley Witt