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REFLECTION

“Solomon” is the theme for our reflection. Solomon is made King to succeed His father, David. A king is a male ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth. King David had aged and was approaching the end of his reign as King of Isreal. (1 Kings 1:1) Unknown to King David, his fourth son Adonijah had started proclaiming himself King and successor to King David. “Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.” (1 Kings 1:5). When this development came to the notice of King David, he immediately did the needful by having Solomon, the appointed heir to the throne anointed and made King. “King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. And the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” (1 Kings 1:32-35)

Dear friend in the Lord, Adonijah suffered the greatest embarrassment and disgrace when the news of Solomon’s coronation came to him before his guests who had hitherto hailed him as “King Adonijah, King of Israel!” Truly, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18). When the news of Solomon’s coronation as King got to Adonijah, we are told that “… all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. And Adonijah feared Solomon.” (1 Kings 1:49-50).

Beloved in the Lord, Solomon did not wake up that fateful day to become King over Israel but at the end of the day, he was anointed and crowned king of Israel through a legitimate process of coronation. We have been greatly admonished in 1 Peter 5:6 to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” Power and greatness comes from God, therefore let us continue to be humble and deligent in service wherever we find ourselves and at His own appointed time He will elevate us. A Christian must not be obsessed with the acquisition of political power and the usurpation of authority but wait on God for elevation and promotion through prayer and diligence.

King Solomon teaches us a very important lesson of forgiveness and being considerate when power is in our hands. Some people are very unforgiving and vindictive when they occupy the seat of power. They try to deal harshly or stage revenge against their perceived enemies or political opponent. Solomon had the power to kill his rebellious brother, Adonijah, but he gave him a chance to repent, forgave him, and brought him back home without any bloodshed. (1 Kings 1:49-52). “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21). Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, we pray for the spirit of humlity to be able to please You at all times. Let Your will be done in our lives and at your own appointed time elevate us to greatness. Amen