Raising a Future King: What the Bible Teaches Us About Preparing Our Children for God’s Purpose

by Jeri Johnson

A The Kids & Me Contributor

As we know, King David was one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament of the Bible.  In addition to killing Goliath, David fought many battles and subdued many armies. 

"Then the name of David went out into all the lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations." (1 Chronicles 14:17)

"So David went on and became great, and the Lord of hosts was with him." (1 Chronicles 11:9)

God even described David as a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).     

Because David loved the Lord, he aspired to build a temple for Him.  But God revealed to David that this was not His plan.  Because he was a man of war and had shed blood, God did not want David to build the temple.  Instead He wanted David to leave this task to his son Solomon.                             

At the appropriate time,  David told Solomon of God’s plans for him.  In other words, David set the stage for Solomon to fulfill God’s will.  David told Solomon,

“Indeed I have taken much trouble to prepare for the house of the Lord one hundred thousand talents of gold and one million talents of silver and bronze and iron beyond measure, for it is so abundant.  I have prepared timber and stone also, and you may add to them.  Moreover, there are workmen with you in abundance:  woodsmen and stonecutters and all types of skilled men for every kind of work. Of gold and silver and bronze, there is no limit.  Arise and begin working, and the Lord be with you.” (1 Chronicles 22:14-16)           

Moreover, David not only provided the tools for Solomon to do God’s will; but he also sought the spiritual and physical support of others. He commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son saying, 

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God.  Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles of God into the house that is built for the name of the Lord." (1 Chronicles 22:19).                                                                   

David’s actions should be the model for all parents.  Many parents have their own plans for their children.  Perhaps they want them to go into the family business or pursue the discipline of the military.  Or they want their children to go into the profession where they can make the most money.  Instead, parents should ensure that their children stay in the Word and seek the Lord’s will for their lives.  At the appropriate time, God will reveal His will.  And if that child stays in God’s will, he will be successful in whatever he does.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)