Keep the Charge

David is dying, Job is pleading, Ezekiel is measuring a holy portion, and Paul is in chains. Yet one thread binds them: God does not cast off the rule of righteousness because men are weak, mortal, or afflicted. David’s last charge is not to admire the law from afar, but to keep it. Job will not flatter either his friends or himself before God; he brings his case with trembling, knowing that sin is no light thing. The prophet sets out weights, offerings, and appointed feasts, teaching that the life of God’s people must be ordered, honest, and consecrated. Paul, though imprisoned, rejoices that Christ is preached and prays that the Philippians may abound in love with knowledge and discernment, so as to be sincere and without offense.

The kingdom, then, is not upheld by talk, but by obedience, truth, and endurance. Solomon sits on David’s throne, yet even this royal line points beyond itself. As Justin Martyr says, “‘O God, give Thy judgment to the king,’ since Solomon was king, you say that the Psalm refers to him, although the words of the Psalm expressly proclaim that reference is made to the everlasting King, i.e., to Christ.” If Christ is the everlasting King, then our offerings, judgments, friendships, and sufferings must be brought under His rule.

And this rule shows itself in fellowship that bears cost. Chrysostom says, “Howbeit ye did well, that you had fellowship with my affliction. Do you see, how he removed himself, and again united himself to them. This is the part of true and spiritual friendship.” Let us therefore be honest before God, just in our dealings, steadfast in trial, and useful to Christ’s servants.