When The King Steps In…
The very first chapter of I Kings is written in King David’s old age –
“Now king David was old and stricken in years…” I Kings 1:1
In verse five, we see his son, Adonijah, attempting to take over the kingdom – thus taking it from the rightful successor, Solomon.
“Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.” I Kings 1:5
~Now, the problem I see here is, it was Adonijah that exalted himself and not the Lord.~
As we continue reading, we find King David being made aware of the situation. It is at this point that the king steps in…
“And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king. The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” I Kings 1:32-35
Yes, things had looked pretty bleak there for a while concerning Solomon’s future reign as all Israel had “set their faces” on Adonijah. BUT, when the king stepped in, the kingdom was “turned about”. When the king stepped in, he set things straight.
This morning, I am thankful to be reminded that, no matter how bleak the situation may appear, when the KING steps in (and that could happen at any moment), HE will set things straight. No matter how the enemy may fight against us – in the end, God’s plan will always prevail! We must continually make certain that we are on the Lord’s side.
(Adonijah speaking) – “And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the LORD.” I Kings 2:15 AMEN!
Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own army none can overthrow;
’Round His standard ranging, victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
(Frances R. Havergal)