Scripture:
1 Kings 1:5-8 ESV
[5] Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. [6] His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom. [7] He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. [8] But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David’s mighty men were not with Adonijah.
[49] Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. [50] And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. [51] Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” [52] And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” [53] So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”
Observation:
Over and over again I see GOD dealing with pride in HIS word. This is another account of that. Adonijah wanted a spot that was not meant for him. The whole kingdom knew that spot had been promised to Solomon. That did not stop him from attempting to sit where he did not belong. If you noticed he gathered a group of men that had influence and had a little celebration. Feeding them and proclaiming that he was to be king. However, he forgot the men who were most influential in the kingdom. Nathan…GOD’s prophet Zadok the priest and a few others not to mention King David. I know I skipped through some scripture so I could make a point, and I encourage you to go back and read this chapter and you will see that what I say came from the word. In the middle of the celebration. They are interrupted by another celebration that is so loud it splits the earth’s trumpets blowing men marching and a king being placed where GOD had already promised. David had placed Solomon on the throne. At that moment fear struck pride was leveled, and humiliation set into the hearts of all those sitting at the table of Adonijah. They were all in the wrong and they knew it. As all the rest of those attending the party Adonijah had put together run home. Adonijah runs to the altar. Seeking grace from King Solomon. Refusing to let go and begging for his life. Knowing that what he deserved was death. But what he found at the altar was grace.
Application:
I have to tell you I absolutely love GOD’s word. There was so much excitement when I read this chapter this morning. I could have stopped anywhere and started putting together this message, but I know that GOD is a GOD of completion and the gift is at the end. So let’s get started. The Bible tells me that I should be careful where I sit. I should take the time and let GOD place me where HE wants me. I think we could all benefit from this kind of stance in life. We could try to push our way to the top if we want, but what happens if that’s not where we are supposed to be? Pride can be very deceitful. It whispers in our ear you deserve it…not him…if you can just get to the top they will all see that. But what happens if you get there by your own pride just to find out that seat is taken? When you get knocked down it hurts. I believe and have seen in my own life that if we wait on the LORD we will find ourselves to be right where we need to be to produce an abundance of fruit. Did you know a fruit tree can not just at will produce an apple? Without the sun water and nutrients from the ground. It just won’t happen, and in fact, we can water it and give it nutrients but only GOD can give it the son, and ultimately that’s what brings the increase. Ok so now to the next point. When we do let pride get in the way of where GOD wants us what do we do about it? Because it happens this is something I know from experience. I put myself in a position I just knew GOD wanted me in about 10 years ago. Only to find out that I was not ready…does GOD have that calling on my life…yes, I believe so…but I will wait on HIM to place me there if that is intact where HE wants me. When the test came I fell. But let me tell you what I did…I ran to the altar grabbed ahold of the horns and begged for my life. I deserved death but GOD gave me grace. Now to bring this all to a point. If you are in a moment of pride looking at someone in a spot you don’t think they deserve. Just wait. It’s not for you to determine that. Let GOD elevate you. Not your own hand, and if it’s too late for that and you have pushed your way to the top only to find out that it was not your time run to the altar, where you can be met with GOD’s grace. HIS plan is perfect for you.
Prayer:
Father, as I was reading this morning. I found myself grateful for not only your grace but your timing as well. You know exactly what you are doing, and exactly where I need to be. I trust in your plan. It’s not for us to push. If that’s the one thing we learn from the story of King David let us learn that we don’t have to push people out of the way. You will remove them at your perfect time if that is indeed where you want us. You are in control, and we submit to that. It’s not on us it’s on you. Let us rest in that, and run to the altar when we fall short. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.