High Expectations

1 Chronicles 29:23

So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him.

It seems Broadway music will long sustain its note in Manila this year. With still two months to run for the very successful, thereby extended ‘The Sound of Music’ production, Resorts World already has another stage set for their next big thing: ‘The King and I’. Last week’s audition, I heard, was jam-packed, from veterans to dreamers, and yes, even with performers from SOM. With a different director on the seat, no less than Freddie Santos himself, it sure promises a fresh, distinct touch from their previous offering. But it also implies comparisons and expectations, from production to cast. With superb performances as predecessor, it’s a big shoe to fill. No doubt, they’re up to the challenge. Why also, it’s worth looking forward to.   I really hope to catch it on September. Better, of course, if I get a backstage pass :>

On the second half of the final chapter of 1 Chronicles, we’ll likewise find an account of two of Israel’s greatest kings: first the son, Solomon, rising to the throne; then the father, David, closing his forty years’ rule. Both reigns were blessed with big words: to Solomon, highly exalted and royal splendor; and to David, long life, wealth, and honor. But before those came to Solomon, I’m sure it gave him overwhelming pressure putting on his father’s shoes. For how could he ever beat those giant slaying records and war-winning streaks? I’d probably contemplate shifting on a different career path. But Solomon didn’t. He knew he was called for it. And he knew that the One who called him will make him fit for it. That’s what his father taught him. The verse above proved that: Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord. Not on David’s throne, but God’s throne. It was God who had set it up for him, thus will establish him. That was his confidence. That was his security.

It’s a pressure to live up to the people’s expectations, especially in reference to those before us. When we were new parents, it gave me paranoia when the lolos and lolas visit us, seemingly checking on how I was attending to their apos. I felt the need to always justify my decisions, although I’m sure t’was farthest from their intentions. Being the new director for VBS this year also gives me goosebumps. What if I don’t get support? What if I fail somewhere? The list will go endless if I’ll entertain the thought. But God’s been reminding me, daily, that He gave me that seat. Before me, it wasn’t someone else’s but His. And it still is. A wise kuya once said, ‘It’s not a big shoe to fill. It’s a different shoe.’ So instead of comparing ourselves with others, let’s focus on being a different one. Not for the sake of being different, but to rejoice in the diversity of God’s design. It will be for His glory that He appoints one in place of another. Not for the successor to prove that he’s better, but for him to showcase that God just keeps surprising us with better. For His praise. That’s the catch. Also why it’s worth watching.