May 5 - 1 Chronicles 29:1-22 | 1 Kings 1:1-53

Good morning everyone,

This morning we begin with taking a look at the gifts given for the building of the temple. David was an incredibly wealthy man and he was so in love with God. What do you do with those, for those you love? Answer: It is typically in your heart to give them gifts, honor them in any way you can. And so it was that from his own private fortune, his personal bank account, so to speak, that David gave 3,000 talents of gold and 7,000 talents of high grade silver. He also asked if there would be any one of his people out there who would like to give as well. He didn’t order them but rather set a godly example. We’re told the leaders of families gave, officers of tribes gave, commanders of hundreds gave, they all gave willingly. The amount of the love gift was staggering, and the people rejoiced at the response along with David the King who also rejoiced greatly. Then the King praised the Lord, right there in front of everybody with a beautiful prayer of thanks, recognizing that nothing really belongs to us, that it all came from God in the first place.

I liked in his prayer too, how he prayed for God to give Solomon wholehearted devotion to keep God’s commands. It is a good reminder that we should be praying for our children’s protection from the enemy, for discipline in their lives, and devotion to our God, our Abba Father who loves them and us so much.

Now off to 1 Kings where there is a little bit of trouble brewing in the camp, or would that be palace. David’s health is failing, he is cold all the time, probably getting thin and just not the strong man he use to be when, Adonijah, one of his sons, decides that dad’s not being a very kingly king and that a self appointed kingsmanship (new word) would be in order. So he goes to have a chat with Joab, David’s trusted general, and Abiathar, the priest and together they decide to hold a big bar-b-que, for all who wanted to come, out in the desert where they would crown this, apparently very handsome, charming kid, king. Really?? Did they seriously think that was going to fly? God has planned from the beginning of time for Solomon to be king, what are they thinking? 

Nathan, the prophet got wind of this treason, and together with Bathsheba tag teamed the king with this information. David wasted no time in getting Solomon crowned official king and making him known to the land as the selected heir to the throne, with the sounding of the trumpet and parading Solomon on the king’s donkey for all to see. The crowd loved this and roared, so much so that the ground shook. 

When news got to the bar-b-que that Solomon had been anointed king, everyone fled to their homes. We’re told that Adonijah was afraid that he was in trouble with Solomon, the now king, and asked his life be spared. Solomon basically told him, “If you’re worthy, you’ll live; but if evil is found in you, you will die.” Then with the authority of a king, Solomon simply dismissed his brother, told him to get back to his house. 

Sometimes forgiving a personal attack shows more strength than lashing out in revenge, would you agree? Trying to prove power or use heavy handed authority is merely a manifestation of fear or self doubt. Solomon acted as though he had nothing to prove,  demonstrating his real authority in power. When you examine it, you can see clearly, Adonijah did not know the Lord, living and acting as the “world”, full of self and pride. While Solomon did know the Lord, and there is a humble power, a strength and confidence that goes hand in hand with believing in Christ. We should all look to Solomon’s example, on that day, to model our lives after, striving to act confidently in God’s will. Believe Philippians 4:13, I know you all know it. :-) Claim it and live it! Amen?!

Have a great day, to God be the glory.

God bless you all.