As David grew old, we read this about his physical condition:
Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with garments, but he could not keep warm. So his servants said to him,“Have them search for a young virgin for my lord the king, and have her attend the king and become his nurse; and have her lie on your chest, so that my lord the king may keep warm. So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. The girl was very beautiful; and she became the king’s nurse and served him, but the king did not become intimate with her (1 Kings 1:1-4, NASB).
While David's staff was tending to his personal needs, one of David's sons tried to take over the kingdom:
Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, with fifty men to run before him. And his father had never rebuked him at any time by asking, “Why have you done so?” And he was also a very handsome man, and he was born after Absalom (1 Kings 1:5-6, NASB).
We know that David was quite lax in his paternal duties throughout his life. First Absalom tried to snatch the kingdom by force and many people died in the battle resisting his efforts, including Absalom himself. Then Adonijah tried his hand at treason and was almost successful. What's my reason for sharing this story?
As we look to conclude the 'Never Too Old for Purpose' series, this story reminds us that we all have purpose work to do right up to the end. Yes, your physical needs may change and require more attention as you age, but you still have a purpose to fulfill and things to create. And depending on your purpose, you may have matters pertaining to your legacy that require your attention.
Who will continue doing what you do after you're gone? Is your last will and testament complete? Have you said all that needs to be said to your family members? And what about recording or writing a short autobiography that includes the highlights and possible low-lights of your life?
The good news in this story is that Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan set a plan in motion to bring David to his senses so that Solomon and not Adonijah would be king. In the same way, it's never too late for you to set your affairs in order and make a difference in God's plan for things to happen while you're still here and after you're gone.
While you tend to ailments and conditions common to old age, don't ignore the things that God would have you do that only you can do. Make it your goal to make a difference right up to the end and leave something behind that God can use, if He so chooses, as a foundation and guiding light for those yet to come. Have a blessed week!
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