David: what not to do

When King David was old and advanced in years, though they covered him with blankets he could not get warm... -- I Kings 1:1 (NAB)

The Book of Kings opens with a picture of King David as a man who is clearly in failing health. Yet he is still reigning as king and, even though the Lord has made it clear to him that he is to be succeeded by Solomon, David has not yet passed the power to him.

His failure to act sets up a nearly disastrous situation as one of his other sons is plotting to seize the throne as soon as David dies, and maybe even before. Fortunately, the prophet Nathan intervenes and David has Solomon declared king and seated on the royal throne.

It's a temptation for all of us to hold on to power and authority. But we have to remember that we receive all gifts, including power and authority, from the Lord, and the time will come when we have to pass it on to our successors. If we try to hold onto the baton when the time has come to pass it off, the race can be lost.

Dear Lord, help me to recognize when the time comes to pass the batons that You have given me to my successors. May I, and all the Elijahs, allow the Elishas to fulfill their roles in Your plan. Help us to take our identities, not in what we do in this life, but in our relationship with You. Then we will have the grace, when the time comes, to let go of the baton in peace, trusting in Your loving plan for us and for the generation to come. Amen.