In today's reading, as David is nearing his final days, there is yet another attempt to take his throne, this time by Absalom's younger brother Adonijah. But David promptly gives the throne to his son Solomon and appoints him as king. Immediately Adonijah recognizes that his attempted siege for the throne is over! Once again God has delivered and given David's kingdom peace. As the corresponding verses in Psalm 55 say, "He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me." (Ps. 55:18) Although there were many battles during David's reign, thankfully this was his final testimony.
However before David died, he gave his son Solomon a final charge. This is what really jumped out to me and impressed me from today's reading. In 1 Kings 2:2 David tells Solomon, "I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man." Here I see David calling his son Solomon to live a life of godly masculinity... the kind that few men in his generation seemed to display. In David's day, godly upright honorable men were lacking....as he spent most of his life in conflict with selfish and self-serving men who only cared about having the highest place. However, we have the same challenge in the society of today. Godly masculinity and Biblical femininity seem to be largely a thing of the past. Now it's becoming more popular for men to be feminine and women to be more masculine... (And if there was a devotional post of mine that FB is going to ban--as it has one of my posts already on this topic, this will probably be the one!) This topic is becoming so touchy, we cannot even talk about it freely without censorship or arrows flying... what is happening to our world?
Over a hundred years ago, author Ellen White wrote: "The greatest want of the world is the want of men--men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heaven's fall." (Education, p. 57)
How can we restore a generation of such men? 1 Kings 2:3 tells us how Solomon could "Shew Himself a Man" and the same principles apply today. The Bible reads, "And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgment, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayes prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself."
It's really all about honor of God, obedience to His Word, daily discipleship and surrender...
A number of years ago, my friend Eric Ludy wrote out what he called "The Measurement of a Man." I know it's kinda strange for me to be sharing this topic as I'm a woman... but I'm going to post what he wrote here in the blog as I believe it can be an inspiration to many to aim for higher goals, and to pray that God will grow us to be all that He's called us to be. Of course, the same measurement he gives for men also applies to women. Remember though, this is not about a religion of works. This is simply about praying that God would make us men and women after HIS HEART.... That He would help us rise up to show ourselves to be the Christians He's called us to be. But we can't do this in our strength. Only as we abide in Christ and He works in and through us can we be anything of significance.
May God help us not settle for mediocre, comfortable living any longer... May we truly honor God and live unashamed for His glory.
The Measurement of a Man
{Calling Men to become Spiritual Giants!}
May the following inspire men to rise up and seek to be the men God is calling them to be.
The Self-Filled Man – Apart from Christ
{This man has no discernment. He does not know between truth and error, life and death...He has not been captured and converted by the spirit of God, but is just going on his own merry way trying to make a good life for himself! His aim is to please and gratify self, to promote self, to uplift self. Danger! This is not a safe man to make alliances with in business or in marriage!}
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 16:25
“And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding . . . (The “strange woman”) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird casteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.” - Proverbs 7:7, 21-23
The Gripped – Where it all begins!
{This man realizes the call that God has on His life. Great manhood starts when one realizes He is weak and nothing apart from God...but He looks to God and stands in His Strength!}
“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” - Psalm 18:6
“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me . . . He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” - Psalm 18:16-17,19
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” - Col 1:13 KJV
{Calling Men to become Spiritual Giants!}
May the following inspire men to rise up and seek to be the men God is calling them to be.
The Self-Filled Man – Apart from Christ
{This man has no discernment. He does not know between truth and error, life and death...He has not been captured and converted by the spirit of God, but is just going on his own merry way trying to make a good life for himself! His aim is to please and gratify self, to promote self, to uplift self. Danger! This is not a safe man to make alliances with in business or in marriage!}
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 16:25
“And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding . . . (The “strange woman”) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird casteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.” - Proverbs 7:7, 21-23
The Gripped – Where it all begins!
{This man realizes the call that God has on His life. Great manhood starts when one realizes He is weak and nothing apart from God...but He looks to God and stands in His Strength!}
“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” - Psalm 18:6
“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me . . . He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” - Psalm 18:16-17,19
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” - Col 1:13 KJV
The Given
{This man has followed the call and poured everything out for Christ - He has broken the spikenard at Jesus feet and said, "Here am I - take all!" His life manifest a complete abandonment and un-reserved surrender to Christ.}
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” - Matthew 16:24
The Immovable
{This is a man that is unshakeable, he stays on his "steed" - the one that God has called him to ride. He may get bucked off, but he keeps getting back on! He is a rock and he is going the distance. He is unwavering in trust and faith in His God!}
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” - Romans 4:20
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” - Psalm 46:1-2
The Harnessed
{This man has begun to realize that there is more to the "Call" then He had yet realized. He has learned to walk by the Spirit and to relinquish his right to position, possessions, and pride. Many men in Christianity today can quote scripture and give a Bible study by heart, but they don't quote it in their lives. "One is not truly holy until He is holy at home and with those nearest. This man is well on the way to being "holy" - He quotes scripture IN his life in action by the abiding strength of the Holy Spirit.}
“And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.” - Ezekiel 1:12
“These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth . . .” Revelation 14:4
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
{This man has followed the call and poured everything out for Christ - He has broken the spikenard at Jesus feet and said, "Here am I - take all!" His life manifest a complete abandonment and un-reserved surrender to Christ.}
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” - Matthew 16:24
The Immovable
{This is a man that is unshakeable, he stays on his "steed" - the one that God has called him to ride. He may get bucked off, but he keeps getting back on! He is a rock and he is going the distance. He is unwavering in trust and faith in His God!}
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” - Romans 4:20
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” - Psalm 46:1-2
The Harnessed
{This man has begun to realize that there is more to the "Call" then He had yet realized. He has learned to walk by the Spirit and to relinquish his right to position, possessions, and pride. Many men in Christianity today can quote scripture and give a Bible study by heart, but they don't quote it in their lives. "One is not truly holy until He is holy at home and with those nearest. This man is well on the way to being "holy" - He quotes scripture IN his life in action by the abiding strength of the Holy Spirit.}
“And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.” - Ezekiel 1:12
“These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth . . .” Revelation 14:4
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
The Misunderstood
{In order for God to prove that He has the man, He must allow him to be misunderstood, humiliated and broken. It is then that you prove while you may not appear to be a man to the world, you are a true man to God. And despite being absolutely misunderstood, you keep pressing on! This man has real strength of character and is a rare gem in the making!}
“And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” - John 11:37
“But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” - Psalm 22:6-8
The Hero
{This man serves the weak and needy. He's not worried about exalting himself or his status, but seeks the lowest place. He works only for the approval of God. He sees the orphan and poor as not equal to himself, but as MORE valuable than himself. - This is God's caste system! He is a hero when no one is looking!}
“. . . I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.” - Job 29:12- 17
“For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall . . . He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.” - Psalm 18:29, 33- 37
{In order for God to prove that He has the man, He must allow him to be misunderstood, humiliated and broken. It is then that you prove while you may not appear to be a man to the world, you are a true man to God. And despite being absolutely misunderstood, you keep pressing on! This man has real strength of character and is a rare gem in the making!}
“And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” - John 11:37
“But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” - Psalm 22:6-8
The Hero
{This man serves the weak and needy. He's not worried about exalting himself or his status, but seeks the lowest place. He works only for the approval of God. He sees the orphan and poor as not equal to himself, but as MORE valuable than himself. - This is God's caste system! He is a hero when no one is looking!}
“. . . I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.” - Job 29:12- 17
“For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall . . . He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.” - Psalm 18:29, 33- 37
The Chief
{This is the man that has reached a level of authority and leadership, not by self-promotion, but by simply doing what God has commanded Him to do. He has lived in obedience, and now He leads others to obedience. Too often today we have clowns in the pulpit and in the places where a "Chief" should be standing. Men must be measured by scripture and not by charismatic ability or worldly degree or status. Only the men that have proven themselves should be in this rank!}
“Who through faith, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” - Hebrews 11:34
“When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me.” - Job 29:7-11
“I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.” - Job 29:25
The Dead Man
{When we start out as Christians we think we are dead, and we may have crucified a few areas of our live, but usually still much of us is alive. This level a man has become completely dead - He does not defend himself, his reputation, his authority or his name. He stands only to defend others in Christ.}
“. . . Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” - Luke 22:42
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” - Isaiah 53:7
The Mighty Intercessor
{This man has become strong in God to be poured out for others. This is the kind of man that does not just stand in the gap for friends and family and a few in his church - He has become strong to stand in the
{This is the man that has reached a level of authority and leadership, not by self-promotion, but by simply doing what God has commanded Him to do. He has lived in obedience, and now He leads others to obedience. Too often today we have clowns in the pulpit and in the places where a "Chief" should be standing. Men must be measured by scripture and not by charismatic ability or worldly degree or status. Only the men that have proven themselves should be in this rank!}
“Who through faith, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” - Hebrews 11:34
“When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me.” - Job 29:7-11
“I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.” - Job 29:25
The Dead Man
{When we start out as Christians we think we are dead, and we may have crucified a few areas of our live, but usually still much of us is alive. This level a man has become completely dead - He does not defend himself, his reputation, his authority or his name. He stands only to defend others in Christ.}
“. . . Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” - Luke 22:42
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” - Isaiah 53:7
The Mighty Intercessor
{This man has become strong in God to be poured out for others. This is the kind of man that does not just stand in the gap for friends and family and a few in his church - He has become strong to stand in the
gap for Nations. He will even wish himself accursed that others may be saved. Radical abandonment and poured out life in hours of prayer...think of George Mueller or Praying John Hyde!}
“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” - Romans 9:1-3
“He hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” - Isaiah 53:7,12
The Measure of Perfection
{This is what a man ought to be...are any of us there yet - probably not - yet this is what we aim for. This is what the church should be about, raising the standard, aiming high. When Christ died to make us like Himself how dare we settle for a superficial attainment of manhood! If you know who Jesus Christ is, you don't stay where you are, you go higher....you grow, you grow and you keep growing! This is our goal. How dare we settle for mediocrity, living in the wilderness when God has called us to Canaan!}
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:13
The Measurement of a Man was written by Eric Ludy
“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” - Romans 9:1-3
“He hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” - Isaiah 53:7,12
The Measure of Perfection
{This is what a man ought to be...are any of us there yet - probably not - yet this is what we aim for. This is what the church should be about, raising the standard, aiming high. When Christ died to make us like Himself how dare we settle for a superficial attainment of manhood! If you know who Jesus Christ is, you don't stay where you are, you go higher....you grow, you grow and you keep growing! This is our goal. How dare we settle for mediocrity, living in the wilderness when God has called us to Canaan!}
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:13
The Measurement of a Man was written by Eric Ludy
Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 3-5 and 1 Cor. 11
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