1 kings 1

David was dying. In his old age, he was growing weak and sickly; he could no longer stay warm, and was seemingly confined to his quarters. With his departure from this life drawing near, the question on everyone’s mind is clear; “Who will be king in his place?”

In the midst of this time of wondering what the future would hold, Absalom’s younger brother Adonijah decides that HE should be king. So, he actively begins to campaign for himself. He got our old friend Joab, and another shady character Abiathar to assist him in this effort to take the throne. (Notice Joab, he is only interested in Adonijah because he wants to maintain his own position.) The people Adonijah DOESN’T seek help from offer some further insight into this story. Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, David’s mighty men… these were all SPIRTIUAL LEADERS in the nation.

Listen to what Jesus said in the gospel of Luke. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11) Adonijah had exalted himself, and he was about to be humbled in a big-time way. In a day, he goes from being the self-proclaimed king of Israel, to a man clinging to the horns of the altar hoping his life is spared. Solomon on the other hand didn’t seek anything for himself. Moved by the Lord, Bathsheba and Nathan told David what was going on and reminded him of his promise. David makes Solomon king, and the plans of Joab and his boys COME TO NOTHING.

It is important to remember that “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it”. Maybe you desire something great for yourself. You want a certain position, accolade, or achievement. My advice to you is simple… Don’t go exalting yourself, stay humble and trust the Lord. Be a Solomon, if you are called, the lord will see to your promotion… if you aren’t you will be saved a whole lot of embarrassment and heartache. As we have already seen this week, self promotion is NEVER THE ANSWER.