(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
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S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
1 Kings 1:51 (NKJV) And it was told Solomon, saying, “Indeed Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon; for look, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’ ”
1 Kings 1:52 (NKJV) Then Solomon said, “If he proves himself a worthy man, not one hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”
1 Kings 2:22 (NKJV) And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, “Now why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also--for he [is] my older brother--for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.”
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
Adonijah tried to make himself king without King David’s initiation. He was the rightful heir since he was the older brother. But he knew David, directed by the Lord, said Solomon would be king.
In those days the first act of a king was generally to kill anyone who was perceived as a threat to their throne. That’s why Bathsheba told David if he didn’t do something about Adonijah’s throne grab both she and Solomon would be killed.
When Adonijah heard Solomon was made king he assumed his life would be ended. Instead Solomon let him live. This showed Solomon’s security in the Lord. It also allowed Adonijah to show his true colors.
Though Bathsheba couldn’t see it, Solomon did. Adonijah’s request for Abishag was a desperate grab for the throne. He showed his true colors.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
Many people today are immediately threatened and immediately suspicious of others. The golden rule has been changed to ‘Do unto others before they have a chance to do unto you’.
That kind of hair-trigger shows personal insecurity. Give people a chance. Don’t be so threatened.
Don’t assume character or motives or intent of other people. Don’t be suspicious. Let them show their true colors.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Jesus, I have confidence in You today. I don’t have to be threatened by others. Amen.
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