As David's life draws to a close, he lay his charge on Solomon to observe the ways and decrees as commanded by the Lord. Solomon abides and their royal sovereignty lasts. The prevailing motive here is the Lord God and not the sovereign throne.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends out His disciples in pairs into the towns and homes of people to be emissaries of peace. He had generously granted them the authority to cast out unclean spirits and they must imbibe His ways. The message is repentance. For repentance to be credible, their garment, food and lodging and works of compassion must prove to be simple and unadorned. Their focus is on the Lord and His message.

The spread of the Good News is a mission as a community in the Lord. The Church, comprising the people of God, is missionary in nature. No one can claim a solo success. Succcess must not displace God. If this happens, it is in danger of deviation. When God is secondary, the mission akin to any sovereinity will crumble. The motive of our mission is Christ Jesus, our Lord.