Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from 1 Kings 1:18, “So now, look! Adonijah has become king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know it.”
Sometimes the most powerful things wield their influence in an almost undetectable way, don’t they? We know the power that water can display, yet sometimes it carves its path through rock or forest with a gentle and continuous stream. Of course, it can destroy in seconds by a flood or tidal wave. But those are violent, obvious acts that evoke an immediate response. The changes that occur without notice are the ones that seem innocuous and insignificant. But in the end, the subtle alterations are the ones that are the most difficult to undo. Those changes stamp their effects through the constancy of time. So when King David’s eldest surviving son, Adonijah, claims the throne in David’s last days, Nathan the prophet is quick to react. He is aware that Solomon has been chosen by God to reign, not the son that convention might select. And if Adonijah is allowed to set up shop without David’s knowledge, eventually he would seek out Solomon and his mom and take their life. What seems like a normal progression of political power is, in fact, a serious threat to the prophecies of God and the Davidic line to Jesus. The changes going on that David is unaware of might look like a routine passing of the guard to his subjects, but the lasting effect would be a disaster.
And our hearts are subject to the same kinds of deception. What appear to be the normal ways of society and our culture can claim the throne of our hearts and take us down a road of apparent success by way of compromise, convenience, and comfort. We may hardly notice the change, but the final destination is far from where His map would have us go. So, wouldn’t now be a good time to take a look at where you’re heading? Shouldn’t you examine what’s become important to you and see if it fits His plan? Continually ignoring it won’t make it go away. Nathan advised Bathsheba to save her life and that of her son. Perhaps you need a little recuing of your own.
As we seek Him today, let’s pray for God to reveal the subtle changes that are taking our hearts away from Him. Ask Him to strengthen you by His Spirit to keep your heart after Him.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
