Authority
Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted ‘Long live King Solomon!’ (verse 39)
Read 1 Kings 1:32-2:4
As we heard in yesterday’s reading, Adonijah ‘put himself forward and said, “I will be king”‘ (1:5) and hosts an elaborate feast to celebrate.
Adonijah finds out the hard way that it is better to be given authority, than to usurp it.
Years before, David had made an oath by the Lord that Solomon would be king after him. Upon Adonijah’s claim to the throne, Nathan and Beersheba look to David for confirmation of Solomon’s election as king. That very day David fulfils his oath and Solomon is anointed king, leaving Adonijah embarrassed’ and begging for mercy. ‘
Let us have the same attitude as Solomon in this case, and humble ourselves so that we may be lifted up in due time.
Recall a time when you had to wait for a role or promotion. How did the waiting make you feel?
Dear Lord, thank you for the many blessings you pour into my life. Help me to be content and patient when waiting for the things I long for. Amen.
by Rebecca Cronau in ‘Time Out to Tune in’ (LCA, Australian Christian Resources, 2018)
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