(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 2:1-12)

Grown up means that we have grown into maturity from childhood. Grown-up means that we are an adult. Being an adult means that we take on the responsibilities of a grown-up. As David’s life ends, he calls Solomon to show yourself a man, to be a grown-up.

2 “I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man.

Now it is time for Solomon to step up to be a man, and it is a reminder for us that as we grow and mature in our faith, that we should also seek not to remain as children, but to also be a grown-up in the faith.

As a grown-up, this is what Solomon is to do,

3 “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,

Today’s Scripture reminds me of what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13,

11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

Solomon was not only called to enjoy a relationship with God, but also to take on the responsibility of walking in godliness. In the same way, as mature Christians, we too are called to put away childish things. We are not only to receive God’s love and grace, but also to grow into spiritual maturity and responsibility.

What does that mean? It means taking responsibility not only for our own faith, but also to help others grow and care for people with the same grace and love we have experienced from God. It means not just being receivers, but to be leaders and lead others towards maturity as well.

Let us do away with childish things, be strong, and show ourselves as grown-ups in the faith.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 2