DECEMBER 3 1 Kings 1:41-53

DESPERATE FOR MERCY

Have you ever been exposed for something wrong you did? I usually think that I will get away when I do something wrong. But sooner or later, the people around me find out. Adonijah must have also thought that he would get away with crowning himself as king. He even managed to make
the people think that he was king.

But Adonijah was in for a rude shock. When he and his guests received news that David had just made Solomon king, Adonijah became very afraid. He was fully exposed of his wrongdoing! There were also serious consequences to bear. He could be sentenced to death for snatching the throne. The guests immediately left for fear of being associated with him.

What is your reaction when you are exposed of a wrongdoing? Adonijah panicked. His immediate reaction was to do something to save his life. He desparately ran to the altar of burnt offering and grabbed the horns of the altar. This made it seems as though Adonijah was sorry, but was he sincere?

When we are exposed and desperate for mercy, we may show that we are sorry to prevent ourselves from suffering the consequences. God knows our hearts. He knows if we are putting on an outward show, or if we are sincerely sorry for our actions and sins. Adonijah was not sincerely repentant. He only put on a show so that he would not have to die. After David died, Adonijah tried to take the throne from Solomon again (read in 1 Kings 2:13-25). This time, there was no second chance. Adonijah had to pay for the consequences with his life.

Dear reader, are you sincere when you say sorry for a wrong that you have done? Or is it just an outward appearance to avoid the consequences? Don’t be like Adonijah and take the mercy given to you for granted!

Thought: Have I sincerely repented of my sins, or am I just putting on an appearance of repentance?
Prayer: Father in heaven, forgive me of my sins and be merciful unto me. Transform me Lord. I pray for a wholehearted devotion and sincere obedience to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.