The Noontimes

Saturday, October 24, 2020

King Solomon

Last Instructions

This scene may be familiar to us since it is replicated on Palm Sunday when Jesus rides into Jerusalem as king and paschal sacrifice.  Jesus’ crowning by the marginalized people whom he cured and healed fulfills the hope which Solomon brings to the throne of Israel. David’s last instructions serve his son and his people. Solomon’s crowning bring his people hope for security and peace.  Jesus’ last instructions bring rescue and redemption that last an eternity.

1 Kings 2 begins with David’s death discourse and we find that it has a familiar ring. David hands on his kingdom to Solomon in 970 B.C.E. and several hundred years later, Jesus comes to fulfill David’s and Solomon’s hope.

What does Solomon’s crowning mean for us today? We see the foreshadowing of Jesus, the true king who “keep[s] the mandate of the Lord . . . following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn.”

We so easily forget this when life offers us an easy road and we feel confident. Our small egos take over and tell us that we do not need God. Then trouble strikes and we turn back to God whom we have forgotten and we find that God is there waiting to accompany us through any tragedy or pain. David’s last instructions, a call to live in the Law of Moses, presage the Law of Love which Jesus brings.

Vicente Juan Macip: The Last Supper

The apostle John tells us of Jesus’ last words to his followers.  They are so simple and also so beautiful.  Do not let your hearts be troubled . . . I will not leave you orphans . . . I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.  Remain in me as I remain in you . . . It was not you who chose me but I who chose you . . . I have more to tell you but you cannot bear it now . . . In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world. These familiar words lay out the simple tenets of Jesus Law of Love which comes down to one lasting commandment: Love God, love one another.

This is such a simple instruction and yet so easily forgotten.

As David lies dying he gathers his last resources to leave final instructions to those he loves so well. Solomon is crowned and David’s words are passed on for generations.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem he gathers his strength for the harrowing road that lies ahead. He calls his apostles together, breaks bread and shares wine, and he leaves last instructions for those he loves so dearly. Do not let your hearts be troubled . . . Jesus’ words are passed down through an eternity.

As we confront any obstacle that falls to us in our journey, we might find wisdom and consolation in these last words which we so easily forget.  And so we ask God’s help and we pray . . .

Faithful and forgiving God, abide with us as we journey through life forgetting, or perhaps not believing, that you are with us.

Constant and faithful God, sustain us with the hope so often predicted and so lovingly brought to us by your son.

Healing and loving God, fill us with the consolation and peace of your Holy Spirit, remembering that we are your own dear creations who long to be with you.

For this we pray. Amen.

For Jesus’ Last Supper Discourses and Prayer, see John Chapters 14 through 17.

Adapted from a reflection written on June 6, 2007.