Adonijah’s assumption

We live in a fast-paced culture and are accustomed to quick results. Waiting appears to be an activity of past generations. In this week’s story Adonijah, the son born directly after Absalom, longed to obtain the throne. He acted as if David was already dead in that he hastened an entourage to go before him proclaiming himself as the next rightful owner of the crown. We can be like Adonijah in that we want things done our way and in a timely manner. There are instances it would be better to wait; to put on patient humility as we listen to what God is trying to tell us. When Adonijah hears that Bathsheba and Nathan conspire to have Solomon seated on the throne, Adonijah is riddled with fear. He’s afraid of what his half brother [Solomon] will do to him now that he [Solomon] has been elected king. Solomon assures him that as long as he behaves himself no harm would befall him. However, Adonijah won’t take being disposed of the throne easily. He asks for Abishag as wife (the beautiful young woman given to David) in his dying days. Solomon sees this request as yet another way to weasel his way into office and has him put to death. Why would Adonijah place himself on a path of self-sufficiency? Why continue to be conniving by using David’s nurse as a political pry bar? Intense desire to have things our way can cloud our minds as to what’s best for certain situations. We can become so passionate about making sure things are done our way that we can miss what God’s trying to show us. We're not immune to strong desire, human reasoning, or the influence of others. Impatient by nature, we could easily justify taking matters into our own hands. The best advice is to listen, obey, and wait. God's timing is perfect, and we don't want to miss His best. What happened to Adonijah? Let’s just say he became so preoccupied with being labeled as king he lost his head with intense desire to occupy the throne and ended up losing his life. Never force what God doesn’t endorse. It might just be the most painful mistake you ever make!

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!
 Kevin