DECEMBER 2, 1 Kings 1:32-40

After Bathsheba and Nathan told King David what Adonijah had done, King David immediately gave instructions to arrange for Solomon to be anointed king before all Israel. Solomon was not chosen because he was David’s favourite son. He was chosen because God had told David that Solomon would be the next king.

Solomon was placed on King David’s mule and brought to Gihon, a place near Jerusalem. Along the way, there must have been a great crowd lining the streets to witness Solomon riding on King David’s mule. This was a clear signal to all who thought that Adonijah would be their next king! In Gihon, Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet publicly anointed Solomon with oil from the tabernacle. Solomon was officially crowned king over all Israel and Judah. The loud, joyful shouts of “God save king Solomon!” rang in the city.

Solomon did not fight with Adonijah over the throne, neither did he manipulate his way to be king. On the other hand, Adonijah plotted and schemed to be king out of selfish ambition and pride. He is a good example of a man who devised his own way, but failed. What the Bible teaches us is so true. “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Dear children, we can devise our way to what we deem as success, but it only leads to eventual failure if it’s not God’s will. Remember that success and promotion are from God alone. Are you doing things your own way, or are you trusting in the Lord and committing your ways to him?

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and write down 1 area you want to commit to God and trust Him for:

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Thought: Success and promotion are from God, not man.

Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to trust in You for all areas of life and not to devise my own ways. Direct my paths in Your ways, for Your way is perfect. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.