May 6th~Where Everyone Must Go

1 Kings 2:1-9


2 Samuel 23:1-7


1 Kings 2:10-12


1 Chronicles 29:26-30

Psalms 4-6


Psalms 8, 9, 11

The great King David passed away. “He died at a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor” (1 Chronicles 29:28). Before he died he was able to encourage his son Solomon one more time. His message to him in summary was this, “Take courage, be a man, and remember to observe all that the Lord has required in the laws of Moses. If you do this, then you will be successful in all you do” (1 Kings 2:3, 4).

It is always sad to read about the end of one’s life, especially one of the heroes of the faith, “David, the man to whom God gave such wonderful success, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). But here in our fallen sin-filled world, death is inevitable. David said to Solomon, “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go” (1 Kings 2:2). Unless Jesus returns, there is a 100% chance that we will experience death, “for it is appointed unto men to die once...” (Hebrews 9:27). Death is the consequence of sin, the promise of God because of man’s rebellion against Him (Genesis 2:17).

However, as followers of Christ, we do not need to fear death. Because of Him, death has been defeated. If we have surrendered our lives to Him, then death has “no sting and no victory” over us (1 Cor. 15:55). Death is not the end, but the beginning, the gateway through which we must pass to enter into the second and more desirable life that awaits us in heaven.

After we read of David’s death, we transitioned into the psalms. The next several days are consumed with them; they include all that the Lord did for David and the truths that he learned in the process. They are a wonderful testimony of his life. He wrote in Psalm 9, “I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart and tell of all the marvelous things You have done” (v.1).

Daily Reflection

Why do you suppose death is so scary and intimidating to people?

Knowing what you do about death, from God’s perspective, how should that affect your view of it? How is it different than the world’s view?

David left behind a record of God’s work in his life, the marvelous things He had done. What will you leave behind to reflect on what God has done for you?

It is a certainty that you will die someday. However, because Jesus was resurrected and, therefore, defeated death, you also will be resurrected to live eternally by His side. Therefore, you can say, as Paul did, that “to live is Christ but to die is gain!” Something far better than what you have here on earth awaits you on the other side. Fear not, but be encouraged.

BiAY.org | Day 126 — 239 Days to Go