This week in synagogue we read about King David’s last words to Solomon. He instructs Solomon to follow the Commandments of the Torah, for the Lord will only be with him if he submits to His authority.
Then the king instructs Solomon to carry out three kinds of justice:
1) to punish Joab the general for killing when he did not have to (“shedding the blood of war in peace”);
2) to repay the family of Barzilai the Gileadite for sheltering him during Absalom’s insurrection; and
3) to kill the traitor, Shimei son of Gera, who cursed him while he was down (during the insurrection).
It is very easy to forget, when we are in day-to-day survival mode, about what is truly important. Just plowing through e-mail can easily take up half your day.
But if we spend all our time immersed in busywork and nonsense, we are likely to forget about the point of life itself.
In his sermon today, the rabbi exhorted us to find that gift that God gave us, and us alone, and use it in ways to make a positive difference in the world.
And there are things we were sent here to accomplish.
King David fought off a rebellion by his very own son. But he could not stay on the throne forever.
It was up to the young King Solomon to make certain things right.
King David and King Solomon were both men of God. They were both forerunners of the Messiah. And yet—their personalities were not at all the same.
I share this with you to encourage you. Your time on this Earth is limited. Spend as little time as possible on distractions, and focus your energies where they’re most likely to make a positive impact.
By Dr. Dannielle (Dossy) Blumenthal. All opinions are the author’s own. Public domain.
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