NIV Once-A-Day Bible Men And Women Of The Bible DevotionalMuestra

AMBITION WITHOUT WISDOM

Adonijah really, really wanted to be king of Judah. After all, he was the oldest living son of David. He was handsome, perhaps regal in appearance — ​so much so that two of David’s advisers (Joab and Abiathar) gave him their support. But David had already promised his throne to Solomon. Adonijah’s dreams and plans were in vain.
That didn’t stop Adonijah. Hopelessly caught up in his own world, he hired a band of royal footmen and chariots to “prove” he was the king. He even performed the official sacrifices expected of a newly crowned king and sent invitations for his own coronation. His charade almost worked, but his willfulness ultimately led to his own death.
Adonijah was overly willful. He could neither recognize nor work within limits. For whatever reason, he was unwilling to respect the wishes of others or to accept God’s will when it contradicted his own. His self-absorption led him to defy his father, deny God’s sovereignty and eventually die.
Pursue your own plans within the will of God, not instead of or in spite of it. The limits he has placed on you will only help you to flourish.

PRAYER
Lord, here are my plans . . .

READ
Adonijah’s story is told in 1 Kings 1:5 – 53; 2:13 – 25.