Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Passing the Baton
Today’s Verse:
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. ~Psalm 71:18
Relay races are events where teams of four runners compete against each other. The goal in a relay race is for a baton to be passed successfully to each runner until the fourth runner receives it. The fourth runner is considered the fastest runner of each respective team and does his best to outrun the other racers with the baton in his hand. If at any time the baton is dropped, that team loses. David was an older man approaching 70 years of age. He knew that he no longer possessed the prowess and abilities he had when he was a much younger man. However, he knew his usefulness at this time of his life was to make sure he passed the baton successfully to the next generation. As we get older, all of us must make sure we are doing our best to help ensure the baton is being successfully passed to this generation.
We see David and his dynamic FAITH.
“In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion,” vs.1. When we read our Bibles, David stands out as a man of dynamic faith. His faith had its starting point in the Bethlehem hills where he cared for his father’s sheep. His faith was put into action when he courageously took on the giant Goliath at the Valley of Elah. His faith was tested and successful as he battled with the foes of discouragement, disappointment, and defiance. In his prayers, he makes known the fact that his faith and trust was in the Lord. God was his strong habitation and refuge in verses 3 and 7. He knew God would never fail him! He knew he could trust God for his fears, his family, his foes, and his future. Like David, the generation coming behind us must see a faith that is dynamic and living. They must see answers to prayer in our life; they must see giants conquered; and they must see that faith is the victory over discouraging events. David lived and breathed a vibrant and powerful faith.
We see David and his determined FOCUS.
In vs. 18, we see David’s prayer. He requested the Lord to not forsake or abandon him in his old age. He asked the Lord to give him the opportunities to show God’s strength and power to the generation coming behind him. He was praying to be resourceful. He was praying to be relevant. He was praying to be responsible. David was looking at the future and realized that the next generation could fail if they did not have a proper idea of God’s strength and power. We must not run from our battles. We must not decline in our service. We must not compromise in our values. We must not lessen our praying. We must serve our generation by the will of God. As parents and grandparents, we have a responsibility of not dropping the baton. As leaders and decision-makers, we must not slack off in our responsibilities. Keep your focus as you pass the baton!
We see David and his descendant’s FULFILLMENT.
David passed the baton successfully to his son Solomon. We are told that David prepared abundantly before his death. He made provision for the construction of Solomon’s Temple. He set in place the leadership responsibilities of the priests and soldiers who would serve under Solomon. In Psalm 72, we have David’s prayer for Solomon’s success. Solomon was revered for his wealth, workers, and wisdom.
David paved the way for Solomon to acquire the respect of the kingdoms of his day. David’s prayer should be our prayer! Our greatest contribution during our lifetime is making sure that we show God’s strength and power to this generation. Continue to have vision for your life, pray great prayers of faith, and embark on missions that will impact lives. Make it your goal to pass the baton successfully!
Have an inspiring God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Samuel 1-3
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