This week I was asking the Lord to change my heart and help me see Him in some situations. As I finished praying and began my personal Bible Study, I felt the Lord leading me to 1 Kings. I love when He speaks to us so specifically through the Old Testament!
In this chapter we see the great King David as an old man preparing to die. One of his sons, Adonijah, assumed that he would be king. Why? I don’t know. Years before, King David promised Solomon the kingship. However, Adonijah proceeded to celebrate as if he was named king! He sacrificed many animals, had a grand feast, invited many people, and had a great time. He did not, however, invite any of King David’s priests, Solomon, or anyone close to him. When the priests found out, they went to Solomons mother and told them what was happening, she then went to King David on behalf of Solomon, one of the priests also went to the king on Solomon’s behalf. When King David heard this, he told the priests and mighty men to take Solomon to the river, anoint and appoint him as king and to end Adonijah’s celebration.
I recommend you read this chapter in full because this is just a summary. But what the Lord pointed out to me in this chapter is that God strategically placed people around Solomon to go to the king on his behalf.
Who has the Lord placed in your life to go to the King on your behalf?
Adonijah assumed kingship and did a lot of fancy things to try to name himself king. But Solomon already had the promise of King David. Solomon didn’t have to fight or fret. God’s will and promise would prevail. While Adonijah was celebrating the true king was named, appointed, and anointed.
What’s going on around you? What is discouraging you or what things are looking like what God has promised will never come to pass?
Trust Him.
Remember what He has promised you. Faithfully serve Him in this waiting time. God has strategically placed people around you, too. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Last week, when you were so encouraged and felt that He was so close, so near, and you heard Him so clearly, He’s the same today when you feel discouraged and so far. He didn’t go anywhere. He’s the same God of Solomon also. Be encouraged today.
As I wrote the above application I was reminded of a scripture in the New Testament. Yes, this chapter is very encouraging when applied in this way. But we also need to be careful to not be Adonijah in this story.
Luke 14:7-14 Jesus tells us to not assume the place of honor. It is God alone who exalts, it is God alone who multiplies. Humbly serve Him and He will fulfill His promises.
I challenge you today to get alone with the Lord. What has He promised you? Go back to the last thing He said. Hear His voice.