"I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man…" -1 Kings 2:2 (NKJV)
Throughout human history the image of what a real man looks like has dictated the trends of society. Most think a man should be physically strong, capable of handling things himself and the provider of his family. It can be overwhelming at times living up to the standard of society and those around you.
While I’m not a man and not fully acquainted with the challenges men face, I do know that what the world says is masculine isn’t always what God sees as manly. From the beginning, God’s desire has always been the same for His sons - to walk this earth fully interconnected with the Father, in communication, dominion, authority and power, all under the influence of His love.
To rule a kingdom well, you first need to be willing to submit. King David received one of the highest honors of being called the man after God’s heart not because he had the best military strategy or great knowledge.
It was simply because he always listened and submitted to God’s direction at every turn. Knowing God was merciful, he requested to be judged by God directly rather than fall into the hands of man because he knew God’s character and His Word. He was not afraid to sing praises and give thanks to God for every victory and every sorrow he faced.
At the end of David’s life, just before he handed his kingdom off to his son, he offered perhaps the wisest advice to the man who would become the wisest king to ever live, “…Be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgements, and His testimonies…”
The only true way to prove yourself a man is to give your heart to the Father and walk with Him. Listen for His Word, look for His way of doing things and solving problems and keep speaking about all He has done. You weren’t meant to do this alone. There’s nothing weak about God or His Son, Jesus. While He had all power and authority given to Him as He walked on this earth, He never felt the need to prove himself. He only listened to what the Father told Him to do. If you keep His Word, you can walk the same way Jesus did, as a son of God!
Declare The Word:
I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I keep the Word of the Lord, His testimonies and I walk in His ways and so prove myself a man and a son of God. I am one with the Father as Jesus is and I walk as He did on this earth—in communication, dominion, power and authority, all under the banner of the Father’s love.
