This Year’s Theme

Pass the Baton of Faith

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children…” Deuteronomy 6:6,7a

King David desired to build a house for God. It was to be a magnificent dwelling place. Gold, silver and bronze would be the main fixtures. However, the prophet Nathan told David that God had chosen his son, Solomon to build the temple instead. David decided that if he couldn’t be the one to build the temple, then he would get everything ready for his young, inexperienced son.

He gathered iron for the nails, more bronze than could be weighed and cedar logs beyond number. He told Solomon there was no limit to the amount of gold, silver, bronze and iron that he could use. He gave his son stonecutters, carpenters and other skilled craftsman and he commanded the leaders of Israel to help his son. Then David charged Solomon to build the house for the Lord and encouraged him to be strong and courageous for the job ahead of him was enormous.

It would take 70,000 men to carry loads, 80,000 to quarry stone in the mountains and 3600 to supervise them. Solomon heeded his father’s charge and completed the temple in seven years. It had all the beauty and glory that his father imagined.David did everything he could to help Solomon be successful not only in building the temple, but also in observing God’s laws.

God has given parents an enormous responsibility as well. As the spiritual leaders of our children, our job is to do everything we can to pass on the baton of faith to them. David gives us at least four examples of how we can do that.

1. David ran the race himself as an example to his son. He made preparation for Solomon and the temple before he died. It was a powerful example that Solomon caught from his father.
2. David made great sacrifices for his son. David told his son, “with great pains I have prepared for the house of the Lord.” David worked hard to help his son rather than simply enjoying his position as king which afforded him whatever his heart desired.
3. The handoff is the most important part of any relay race. David put a lot of time making sure the handoff was successful. He gave charge to Solomon to observe God’s laws and commands. He made it clear to Solomon what success looked.
4. When the time was right, David was not afraid to turn things over to Solomon. He trusted in God’s plans for his son and did not let his own will get in the way.

God has given us His commands and He has given us many wonderful examples to follow. Our job now as parents is to impress them upon our children.