Bro. Eddie Ministries: The Word Gives InstructionHalimbawa

Greed for power can overwhelm a person. It can push him to do evil to gratify it. And perhaps, the highest kind of power that many people would try to covet is the power to rule.

But do we know that if God places a nation under judgment, He permits a wicked ruler to reign? Yes, He does. And though He allows it, He does not take delight on those wicked men who crave to rule.

Adonijah hurriedly proclaimed himself as king while King David, his father, was sick and lying in bed. (1 Kings 1:5). He thought it was he who would be the next king to reign since he was the oldest surviving son of David. But he was wrong. He did not know that God had earlier promised the throne to Solomon, their youngest brother.

God spoke to David years back when he thought of building a temple for Him. The Lord said to him, “You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.” (1 Chronicles 22:8-9). That son God was referring to was Solomon.

When David was informed about Adonijah’s power grab, he ordered Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest to go down to Gihon and there anoint Solomon as king over Israel. (1 Kings 1:32-35). Now this fulfilled what God had spoken to David.

So how does a self-proclaimed leader differ from the God-ordained? He avoids the presence of the one truly called for the highest post. Adonijah invited all his brothers except Solomon to see the proclamation he set for himself as Israel’s new king. (1 Kings 1:19). He rushed the announcement of his reign. He sought to gain support by holding a victory party at once. He gained support from the disloyal men of the incumbent king. (1 Kings 1:7; 2:9)

The person God had ordained for power will not do such things as Adonijah did. He will wait for God’s timing. God will surround him with faithful and competent men. And these all happened to Solomon. He did not struggle to get into power. God took over and messed up the plans of the power grabber. (1 Kings 2:15)

Solomon did what he was called to do as a king. He built the temple of God. And as God promised, his reign had become the glory days of Israel.

Solomon’s story is an instance that tells us this truth. “No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges; He brings one down, He exalts another.” (Psalm 75:6-7 NIV)

Reflection:
1. Are you handling top or delicate position? What struggles did you find now that you are there? What do you think are the purposes why God placed you there?
2. Do you seek to be placed in a higher position? Take time to analyze your motive. Know what God has to say as you seek Him in prayer and in His Word.

God appoints a ruler according to His purpose.