1 Kings 1

In 1 Kings 1, we find King David advanced in age and weakened, to the point where he struggles to stay warm even under covers (v. 1-4). His servants bring in a young woman named Abishag to care for him and provide warmth. Adonijah, David's fourth son and now the eldest surviving after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom, seizes the opportunity to proclaim himself king (v. 5-10). As the oldest living son, Adonijah might have seen this as his natural right, but this was not God's chosen path for Israel's leadership. Since the sword is still upon David’s house we can see familial dysfunction. Verse 6 notes that David had never disciplined or rebuked Adonijah throughout his life, never questioning his behaviour with something like, "Why do you act this way?" This lack of correction ties into a broader "destructive spirit", evident in David's household, seen in previous situation like Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's rebellion.

Child of God, you see the book of Proverbs 22:6 says -"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." David's failure to instill discipline and godly purpose in his children contributed to this chaos, how children are often raised today through structured, programmatic systems where they're asked from a young age, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" rather than "What does God want you to be?". A life of divine purpose early on aligns children's minds with God's will, fostering obedience and discernment over personal ambition. This worldly system derails young minds from a life of divine purpose. Instead, teaching children to seek God's will early on aligns their paths with eternal significance which is why we are here on earth Child of God. Without this foundation, as with Adonijah, individuals may pursue paths that seem rightful but diverge from divine intent.

Adonijah advances his claim boldly, gathering chariots, horsemen, and supporters including Joab (David's military commander) and Abiathar the priest. He sacrifices animals at En Rogel and invites his brothers and officials, excluding key figures like Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, Benaiah, and Solomon- David's son by Bathsheba. This exclusion can tell us something brothers and sisters, at least he knew not to invite them for a reason, particularly Solomon, whom God had favoured to be King. Brothers and sisters, you see, even when we hold a divine promise or covenant such as David's oath to Bathsheba that Solomon would succeed him (v. 13, 17, 30), we often fail to act proactively. Bathsheba had this assurance, yet as David grew old and detached, she remained passive, unaware or inactive until Adonijah's move threatened everything. God doesn't seek people who merely use Him to fulfill their desires but those He can use to bring His word to fruition. We must partner with God, allowing Him to work through us rather than waiting passively for miracles.

Faith demands action; as James 2:17 affirms; "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." If you are possessing God's promises, be it through prophecy, oath, dreams, visions, or Scriptures that stood out for you- all this demands active faith, not passive waiting. God seeks partners who will co-labour with Him (1 Corinthians 3:9), not mere beneficiaries who "use" Him to fulfill personal agendas only but then fail to step out in obedience, allowing opportunists like Adonijah to seize what isn't theirs. We pray for people like Nathan the prophet, who alerts Bathsheba "Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king, and our lord David knows nothing about it?" (v. 11), helping her take a step of faith and act on the promise she received. Bathsheba had received David's oath, sworn by the Lord, that Solomon would succeed him; a promise tied to God's covenant. Yet, despite this divine assurance, she remains passive amid David's declining health and the unfolding crisis. Until Nathan strategizes with her, taking a step of faith forward, instructing her on how to approach David, reminding him of his oath and warning of the danger to her and Solomon if Adonijah prevails (v. 12-14).

We often expect God to act for us, rather than through us. Bathsheba's initial inaction show how many today hold onto promises without taking step of faith by putting them into action or works. Bathsheba follows through, entering David's chamber and pleading her case (v. 15-21). Nathan then corroborates her words, prompting David to reaffirm his vow (v. 22-31). This collaboration restores order; David summons Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, commanding them to anoint Solomon as king on David's own mule, with trumpets and public proclamation at Gihon (v. 32-40). The people rejoice so loudly that it disrupts Adonijah's feast. Hearing the commotion, Adonijah's supporters scatter in fear (v. 41-49). Adonijah flees to the altar for sanctuary, and Solomon, in a show of mercy, spares him on the condition of good behaviour (v. 50-53).

You see Child of God, this resolution not only fulfills God's choice but highlights themes of divine sovereignty over human schemes, God's providence at work through humans like Nathan. God often uses faithful individuals to redirect history. While God promises to reveal our futures, stagnation often comes from inaction. Sometimes fear, complacency, doubt even a religious mindset like waiting for God to come and do it while you prepare for heaven holds us back, but God calls for partners who act in faith to fulfill His purposes on earth, not just recipients who expect Him to do it all.

REFLECTION

In your own life, what divine promise or calling have you been given that you've hesitated to act on, and how might partnering with God through bold, faith-filled steps change the outcome?