Click Here – 1 Kings 1:11-27

We see more of the deception in Adonijah’s self-promotion to king in this reading.  David had promised that Solomon, the son born to Bathsheba, would be king.  Yet Solomon was one of the youngest of David’s sons.  Adonijah was the oldest – he thought HE should be king, and was willing to go behind David’s back to do so.  That was why Solomon was not invited to Adonijah’s sacrifices.

There was an additional concern for Bathsheba.  Solomon, as rightful heir to the throne, and his mother would most likely be put to death because Adonijah would consider them threats to the throne.   Nathan’s concern is not just for Bathsheba and Solomon; it is more about protecting David and making sure his will (and God’s will) is done.

Nathan could have stayed out of the mess.  His life wasn’t at risk.  But he knew that an injustice was being done, and he knew the right thing to do.  That took courage and integrity to do the hard thing.  May God grant us the same courage and integrity as we live our day to day lives.

Click Here – 1 Kings 1:1-10

As we begin our exploration into the two books of Kings, it’s important to understand the time frame this is happening.  It is at the end of King David’s reign.  He is an old man, and his sons are competing for the right to be king.  Remember that towards the end of 2 Samuel, David’s son Absalom led a failed revolt against his own father.

Now Adonijah, the second oldest son, tries to take over for his father in a non-military way.  After all, he is the next oldest son, and it should be his right to be king.  But David had other plans, as is hinted at the end of verse 10, another of his sons named Solomon.

David was a great king and warrior, but he was a horrible father.  He never disciplined his sons, or told them when they were doing something wrong, especially spoiling Adonijah.  Adonijah must have known that he was doing something wrong, for he failed to invite the prophet Nathan, or any of David’s mighty men, or Solomon.  The story will continue with tomorrow’s readings!

Click Here – Acts 20:1-6

“Paul and his companions begin the trip back to Jerusalem, encouraging fellow Christians along the way.  Our faith is often not what it should be.  However, Jesus encourages us in the faith through His Word.”  The Lutheran Study Bible, notes on this section, page 1879.

God also uses His people to encourage one another.  Who is a person you can go to for encouragement?  Who do you need to speak those words of encouragement towards today?  May God grant you the wisdom and the words to be an encourager of others today.

Click Here – Acts 15:36-41

It’s interesting that right after we read about the Jerusalem council confronting a major difference in the right way, we read about Paul and Barnabas confronting a difference in the wrong way.  As they are getting ready to visit the churches that were founded during their first missionary journey, a “sharp disagreement” arises between them concerning John Mark, who had abandoned them on the first journey.  Barnabas wants to forgive and move on, but Paul refuses to take him along.

The result: the great missionary team was split up.  Yet God even uses that bad thing for His good!  There are now 2 mission teams going out instead of one.  Twice the number of people reached with the Gospel message.  In time, we know that Paul and Mark reconciled their differences.  Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 

We are sinful human beings.  We will sin against one another and cause divisions.  God will even use us in our imperfection, and leads us to admit our sins and be reconciled with one another.