April 20

Then David called for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. — 1 Chr 22:6 BSB

David was nearing the end of his life, and he had to leave unfinished the great work he’d hoped to complete.

Moses, too, died before entering the Promised Land. Raphael’s painting of the Transfiguration was never finished. The historian Buckle, dying in his prime, cried out, “My book! – My book!” Two volumes of his planned work on civilization were complete, but he didn’t live to finish it. Even Disraeli, though old and honored, lamented, “I am overwhelmed!” in his final moments, thinking of the goals he hadn’t achieved.

David didn’t get to see all his dreams realized, but it’s a comfort to a good father when he can entrust his unfinished work to a son who will faithfully carry it on. It should be the highest ambition of a son to continue his father’s legacy, to build upon the foundation his father laid.