Read 1 Kings 1.
Whenever there is a leadership vacuum, someone will rush in to fill it. If leadership transition plans are not made and communicated, someone else will make them and they may not be what was desired. The process certainly will not be done in the most amicable way.
King David was elderly and faced his final days. Though his mental faculties seemed in tact, he could no longer physically and publicly display his leadership. One of his sons, Adonijah (Absalom's younger brother), took this as his opportunity to exalt himself to kingship.
The entire incident is one of self-promotion. He sent out the invitations to the party. Even his sacrifices appear to be more food for the gathering than for spiritual worship. But all along he knew he was wrong. That is evidenced in whom he did not invite. Obviously, there was rift between himself and his father, David. He carefully avoided those closest to the king.
God used Nathan, the prophet, once more in David's life. With the appeal from Bathsheba and Nathan, Solomon became the new king of Israel. Adonijah's foolishness turned to embarrassment and a run for his life. But here we get to see the first bit of Solomon's wisdom in his response.
Often it may be difficult to know when to step in to seize an opportunity and when to stay back and wait to be asked. The answer lies more in attitude than mere action. If the attitude is right, taking action does not equate to taking over. One who is a good and wise servant will realize a need before others, step in and provide what is needed.
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Proverbs 11:2
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11
"'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." 1 Peter 5:5-6
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