Building a Legacy and Recognizing Liabilites

Introduction

Dad’s, do you know how much influence you truly have? Do You know how much you impact?

My little grandson wanted a tool belt with tools for Christmas last year because his dad works for Alabama Power and uses a tool belt. He received a child’s camo outfit and an orange plastic shotgun because his dad is a hunter, he wears camo, and he has a shotgun for hunting.

The Word legacy in the Webster’s Dictionary means “something inherited.”

I ask you the question for both parents and grandparents this morning, what legacy do you want to leave behind? Furthermore, beyond parenting, what kind of example do you want to leave friends, family, us the church family and to your children and grandchildren? How do you want to be remembered? Oh dear church listen, our children and grandchildren will not remember as much how we lavished them as they will the lessons we instilled in them and the life examples we showed them.

I devised a list of father & mostly son examples, but one daughter example I could remember as to how dads impact their kids.

I think of my close friend Dr. Larry Epperson, his daughter followed in his footsteps, Dr. Jessica Epperson McLemore.

Think about some of these examples of the impact they made on their sons.

John D. Rockefeller: Founder of Standard Oil, became the richest man in modern history.

John D. Rockefeller Jr.: Built on his father’s success by focusing on philanthropy. He developed Rockefeller Center in New York City, donated land for the United Nations headquarters, and contributed significantly to conservation efforts. His work in philanthropy and social causes left a lasting legacy that surpassed his father's business achievements in terms of societal impact.

The Manning Family, Archie-two time All-American, Univ. of Miss. , played for New Orleans Saints and other teams, but never had winning seasons. Peyton went on to have two Super Bowl titles and five MVP awards. Eli two Super Bowl victories and two MVP awards in those respective super bowls.

John Adams, 2nd President of the United States. Crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. John Quincy Adams, 6th President. John Quincy Adams not only followed in his father's footsteps but also expanded on his legacy by serving as a distinguished congressman after his presidency, fighting against slavery and advocating for civil liberties.

Billy Graham, Franklin Graham

Charles Stanley, Andy Stanley

And into today’s text, we can be affirmed as Dad’s that if we lead as God would have us lead, God will honor that leadership in the lives of those God gifts us as children or those God places in our lives to mentor. We will see this manifest in today’s text in the life of King David and his son, King Solomon.

The title of my message this morning is “Building a Legacy and Recognize Your Liabilities.”

This morning we will learn that we can leave a lasting legacy in the midst of personal shortcomings as Dad’s. In other words, Dads are not perfect, but we serve a perfect God who loves our kids and He can insure we leave a legacy. Amen.

Turn in your Bibles to:

1 Kings 2:1-12

1 Kings 2:1–12 NKJV

1 Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 2 “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. 3 And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; 4 that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 5 “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he shed the blood of war in peacetime, and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his waist, and on his sandals that were on his feet. 6 Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace. 7 “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 8 “And see, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.” 10 So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David. 11 The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. 12 Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.

Prayer

Message

David sensed his days were numbered. I hear testimony time and again how someone sensed their time was up and took care of unfinished business whether it be with family or friends or one’s faith. Oh that we would realize we are not invincible. Our days are numbered. Parents, is your house in order? In what fashion are you leaving your children to function? Are you leaving them with a lasting legacy?

David wanted to pass the baton with as smooth a transition as possible. So, King David had just worked past another son, Adonijah attempting to usurp his authority by using a coup to take the kingship away from Solomon who was the Lord’s man to succeed David.

This context sets the stage for David's final instructions to Solomon in 1 Kings 2:1-12, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands and securing the kingdom's stability.

1. Charge to Continue (Verses 1-4)

1 Kings 2:1–4 “1 Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 2 “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. 3 And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; 4 that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”

King David wanted to have a final conversation with Solomon in preparing him for the kingship before He passed on to go to be with the Lord. If you do not hear anything else I have to say this morning, have you reached your kids for Christ? Have you led your children through the plan of salvation? Grandparents, have you discussed Jesus with your grandchildren and began to massage their hearts for the Lord?

Acts 16:29–31 “29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.””

Based on a study done by Bible.org:

If both Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 72% of their children remain faithful.If only Dad, 55% remain faithful.If only Mom, 15%.If neither attended regularly, only 6% remain faithful.

The statistics speak for themselves—the example of parents and adults is more important than all the efforts of the church and Sunday School.

Scripture states that David “charged” Solomon which means he constituted or commanded. These were passionate words that David left Solomon with.

“be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.”

Strong-chazaq which means to be fortified, established, means to prevail. David was not speaking of physical strength. He was speaking to Solomon and calling him to be steadfast, to be dependable, one who can be counted on.

When Moses was told by Yahweh to stay this side of the Jordan and commission Joshua to take Israel into the Promised Land, he said these words:

Deuteronomy 31:7 “7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it.”

“you must go with this people”- Moses meant that we do not go ahead or go behind, but go with them. Do not be inconsistent. Be one that Israel could count on. Do not run out when the heat gets in the kitchen. Oh dear brother and sister, today, too many parents are running out on the family. And, we wonder why with each passing generation we see greater weakness. Dad’s , moms, God has called us as parents and grandparents and as His children especially that we be the type parents and grandparents that can be counted on.

Ill. Crime due to Absentee parents-no dads, or mom’s that work 2nd shift or graveyard shift and kids out roaming. No parental influence. No accountability.

“to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses”

Dad, Mom, you are the greatest Bible your children will ever read. David charged Solomon to live out the Bible in daily living. Do what it says for you to do.

Oh dearly beloved, King David was far from perfect, but He was grounded in the Word. 73 of the 150 Psalms are accredited to King David.

Listen to this beautiful Psalm.

Psalm 103:1–13 NKJV

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

I love King David because he was real. He lived in a real world with struggles, not only in himself and doing what was right, but leading his family in doing what was right. We see him pour out his heart to the Lord for strength, guidance and mercy in his imperfections.

But listen to something important here. They will follow the Word and live out the Word if you live it out.

Your daily example is what your children will find most valuable. What ranks priority in your life? They will emulate you.

1 Timothy 4:12 “12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

“that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn”

David wanted to see his son do well and be successful. David, like him, wanted Solomon to be a good king. Yes, David wanted him to be self sufficient like any dad does, but he wanted him to enjoy success in God’s eyes.

2. Counsel to Correct (Verses 5-9)

David had unfinished business in the kingship that he knew he had been passive about. He knew that Solomon would have some struggles in a transition in leadership had certain issues and past personalities not been addressed. David had turned a blind eye to some people in leadership. As King, he received grace and mercy when he repented of his sins and the Lord blessed him. On the other hand, he showed grace and mercy to some of his key leaders and it just amplified their actions. Joab had aggression in war that could not be toned down or bridled when time to.

1 Kings 2:5–6 “5 “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he shed the blood of war in peacetime, and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his waist, and on his sandals that were on his feet. 6 Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace.”

When Abner, Saul’s relative that David inherited in his leadership.

2 Samuel 3:39 “39 And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. The Lord shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness.””

2 Samuel 18:5 “5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom.”

2 Samuel 18:12 “12 But the man said to Joab, “Though I were to receive a thousand shekels of silver in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Beware lest anyone touch the young man Absalom!’”

2 Samuel 18:14 “14 Then Joab said, “I cannot linger with you.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree.”

When David counseled Solomon on dealing with some specific individuals that posed a threat to the kingdom, for us Dad’s that symbolizes the need to address unresolved issues and negative influences in your parenting.

Dads, moms, is there a trait, a nature in you, that you need to be honest with your children and counsel them against that nature? Maybe its temperment. Maybe you lack patience? Maybe you spent too much time working and now you have time to spend more quality time with your children. Or, were you greedy or stingy with money and you have the ability to be a greater blessing. Dearly beloved, admit your flaws but do not accept them. Let’s all work on our shortcomings.

David saw a flaw in his leadership. We are not perfect parents and need to recognize our imperfections. But, in the same breath, work on our shortcomings as David was honest and stated these matters need to be addressed.

Oh dear parent, the quicker you let your children know you are not perfect and share some past mistakes. Allow them to learn from your falters. They will be better to succeed when they experience failure if they know that their parents are not perfect admittedly.

In verse 7 we see that David wanted to be a blessing to someone that was loyal to him in the past. In verse 8, David had been passive about Shimei’s outburst of cursing and humiliating him in 2 Sam. 16:5-13.

What were the lasting lessons that David was teaching Solomon as a Dad? Firstly, live a life that sets a standard, standard of walking as a man of God and for those you have influence over, cause them to march to that standard. And, when that standard is not met, there is a day of reckoning for such actions. Secondly, to be passionate and to be a blessing to those that are loyal to you. Great lessons.

What lessons have you instilled in your children and grandchildren? What ways do you see in them that you want to be honest and counsel them to overcome that shortcoming?

3. Commitment to Completion (Verse 10)

1 Kings 2:10–11 “10 So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David. 11 The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years.”

King David completed the kingship in the God alloted time he was to lead. What King David a perfect king? We know well that David had his failures. When he was wrong he admitted his wrong and he made corrections. Did King David pay a price for his failures? Absolutely. He enjoyed war the remainder of his kingship due to the sin of committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering Uriah the Hittite. Was there a price paid in the lives of his other children for his failures? Certainly. Did that cause David to wain or to be faint of heart in his calling to lead and to take care of his family? Did it cause him to shirk his duty to his son Solomon in preparing him to take over?

4. Crowning of Continuation (Verse 12)

1 Kings 2:12 “12 Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.”

We read in verse 12 that “his kingdom was firmly established.” With all of David’s flaws and shortcomings, he left Solomon prepared to lead, to take the baton in the race of life and continue on.

1 Chronicles 29:23 “23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.”

5. Cherishing Children’s Success

As I conclude our time together this morning, I want to ask you an important question. Do you find your children are someone to lavish, or a liability, or one that you want to leave a legacy? I can not imagine such, but some parents become jealous over their children’s successes.

Oh dearly beloved, we should want our children and our children’s children to soar on eagles wings. As parents may we build a foundation that they build lives to soar to new heights.

I like the way the show StarTrek used to open-I want them to go places man has never been before.

1 Kings 2:4 “4 that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”

Not only did David not have a son that was King, but Israel enjoyed peace in his time of leadership, they had their own kingdom while in leadership, they were the wealthiest and Solomon had the blessing of building the temple. Quite a feat.

But listen to Solomon’s humility in his night prayer.

1 Kings 3:5–9 NKJV

5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

King David knew a first love. King David talked with the Lord. He loved the Lord. In all of his shortcomings as a Dad, He had a Heavenly Father that would see him through.

Don’t you know that Solomon heard the beautiful prayer He wrote in the temple?

Psalm 23:1–6 NKJV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Do you know why King David gives us such hope? King David also had Absalom, Ammon and Tamar as his children. There were some family dynamic issues there to say the least. Absalom killed his brother Ammon for raping his sister Tamar. Tamar was never right after that. Absalom was ultimately killed in war from disloyalty to his father, King David. And King David took a passive stance to the whole matter. King David was far from a perfect Dad.

But listen, Dad, granddad, there is still hope. Live today with the charge to continue in your parenting. Offer counsel to correct your shortcomings. Be committed to complete the parenting, mentoring campaign until your last breath. Look forward as you see them grow and mature in seeing the crowning of the continuation of the legacy and lastly, cherish your children’s success.

The greatest success you will ever encounter is knowing that you, like David, will enjoy the messianic covenant in your linage by leading your child to Christ. David would have King Jesus in his linage for eternity. Will you see your children and grandchildren for eternity? Will they see you for eternity. I know no better place to begin afresh today in accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Let’s pray.