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 were 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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