Silent King

1Kg. 1:1-53

David was old and ill equipped to reign. His strength was gone and needed someone to be next to him just so he could stay warm. his health was failing and it was obvious that he would not live much longer. His effectiveness as king had gone the way of his strength. He was silent on many issues. His voice was not heard, his face was not seen throughout the kingdom as it once was. Where is the king? Is he still alive? Is he sick? Is he on a trip? Decisions had to be made. Life still went on. Who will guide this nation? All the people wondered who would be king.

I've felt like that before. God is silent. I can't find Him. He does not speak to me in my prayer time, I do not hear His voice in my Bible study and devotional time. As I go through the day I am unaware of the presence of God. Is He with me? Is He watching? What does He want me to do? Where should I go?

Adonijah had the answer. My father is very sick and won't live much longer. The kingdom will most assuredly be mine. I have been blessed with a strong and handsome appearance. I am intelligent and a natural leader. I am the head of my siblings, as Absalom my full brother was, so will I be. No doubt I am to be king of this great nation and rule in my father's stead. What were his motives? God doesn't say, so it does not matter. King David had not publicly appointed his successor.

Decisions have to be made. Life goes on. What will I do? My King is silent. I know, I'll set myself up as my king. I'll take matters into my own hands and determine my own course. Wrong.

Many people followed after Adonija. Joab, the captain of the host gave himself to follow him. Abiathar the priest likewise did so. These two leaders led many others to do so as well. When the decision was made to follow this self appointed, charismatic, self assured leader, all thoughts of David went away. The people were happy in their decision and rejoiced before their new king.

There was, however a remnant who knew this was not David's choice. They grew concerned that the king's true will would go undone and presented their cause to him. The king answered and took immediate action. The celebration appears smaller. The coronation of Solomon was not as well attended, but the noise of it and the affect of it reached even into the celebration of Adonijah. When the people heard that they had been following the wrong man, they were afraid and scattered. Adonijah himself was terrified.

Those who waited were lifted up, and although troubled in the beginning, will not be again. Those who were rejoicing and seemed so happy following the wrong man are scared and fleeing and missed the coronation of the true king.

Which will I be? Adonijah who made his own decisions when the king did not make his known? The people who followed one who seemed so confident and born into the position, or the remnant that stood by the king, prompted him for an answer, and waited for it to be handed down and fulfilled?

Daniel waited 21 days for an answer. Saul didn't wait out the appointed time. They had two completely different results.

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Responsibility

2Sa 11:1-4
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. (2) And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. (3) And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? (4) And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.


I need a break. I'm tired, I've worked hard, I just want to take the day off. To be by myself, no worries, no concerns, no distractions, no responsibilities. Freedom from all those things that cause me to put forth effort, focus, concentration, energy. I've felt that way before, and doubtless will feel that way again. Usually it's not a desire to be relieved of all responsibility. In fact it rarely is. Just one or two in particular. Just some break from the routine, the monotony of it all.

That's all David wanted. Just a little break. "Look Joab. I'm not going with you this year. I'm taking a break. I've fought Israel's battles from the time I slew Goliath till now. I've got other responsibilities as king and the burden of war along with all the administration and duties of the kingdom are wearing me down. I'm going to lighten my load this year. You take the army out and here's where I want you to go."

David got the distraction he was looking for. The ease and carefree time he wanted was right there. What should I do with this time I have? Ahh, I'll relax and enjoy it. Rather than perform the king's duties, David took a nap in the afternoon, and waking, looked for something to occupy his time. I'll find some way to bring pleasure rather than work to myself. As his mind wandered aimlessly, so too did his eye. The price was more than he bargained for.

God gives rest to His saints in His time. When I take more than He gives, I will pay more than I want. Go to work when it is time. Rest when it is time. Don't confuse the order. Sin is lurking at the door. Slothfulness leads to deeper sins. Is it any wonder Jesus said that we are to take up our cross daily (Lk.9:23)? Lord help me to fill my life with Your work.

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