Luke 22:54-71
In verse 67, we see Jesus’ reason for not answering the Sanhedrin when questioned. He says, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe.” He also said that he knew they would not let Him go or want to discuss the possibility that He was the Christ. Their hearts were closed. One lesson we need to learn is that it is not only a waste of time, but it draws persecution when we share truth with someone who will only despise what we have to say. Jesus said in another passage that we shouldn’t throw our pearls of insight before swine. When a pig gets hit with a pearl, he’s only going to attack you for throwing something at him. He doesn’t see the value of the wisdom and revelation you bring. One reason Jesus didn’t answer them was because He knows what they already knew. In addition, Jesus was willingly laying His life down as our sacrifice. He wasn’t there to debate. Let’s learn not to give was is precious to people whose hearts aren’t open to receive.
The reason the Jewish leaders put Jesus to death was because He said He was the promised Messiah, the Christ. He was the Christ, and He was put to death by His own countrymen, the people He was called to serve and save. His rejection was part of the price He paid. If we are ever rejected, don’t be surprised. We aren’t superior to Christ, and we represent Him. In fact, we really can expect persecution from people who are not humble in heart – that includes people inside and outside of the family of God. We only need to keep our eyes on God. He will direct and protect us. If we are harmed in anyway, we should consider it an honor and continue to trust in the Lord for this life and the next.
1 Kings 1-2
The events covered in 1 Kings cover a period of 120 years, spanning from the death of King David around 971 BC to the reign of Jehoshaphat over Judah and the reign of Ahaziah of Israel around 853 BC. Jehoshaphat was Judah’s fourth king. Ahaziah was Israel’s ninth king. After Solomon’s reign, the nation went through a split between the south (Judah) and the north (Israel).
There are two basic sections to this book:
The united kingdom under Solomon (chapters 1-11)
The divided kingdom (chapters 12-22)
It is interesting to me that Adonijah presumes to be the next king because Adonijah was Absalom’s brother. Whatever behavior we have, we influence someone else, whether that behavior is wrong or right, self-sufficient or humble, submissive or rebellious.
In verse 11, Nathan goes to Bathsheba to ask if she knew that Absalom’s brother has appointed himself as king without David’s knowledge. As a leader, I must say you have to have people like Nathan around you, someone that has your back. You may not know who is working against you or speaking against you. You need those faithful team members to watch out for what you don’t see.
David’s plan was for Solomon to be his successor. David had a heart for God, and I believe, among all his sons, David recognized that quality in Solomon. We see that in Solomon’s request for wisdom on leading the nation.
Apparently, Adonijah knew David’s plan, too, because the Bible specifically mentions that Adonijah did not invite those in authority, including Solomon. Also, in 2:15, Adonijah says that Solomon’s position was not just given by man, but God. Be watchful for people that try to draw people to themselves but don’t include your pastor or leader. Be on the lookout for people that try to pull at children and teenagers without including their parents. That rebellious spirit that Absalom and Adonijah had works undercover, trying to promote their own agenda behind the backs of true authority.
When David knew about the rebellion, he publicly had the priest and prophet anoint Solomon as king. Authority has to be given by authority. There is a delegation involved, even in the fact that Jesus delegated His authority to us, giving us His name. There is also a transfer of power. The anointing was a transfer of anointing from David to Solomon. There is also an empowerment given when Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit.
David dies, but again, the Bible speaks of life after death. In 2:10, it says that David rested with his fathers. While we live, we should primarily live for God and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Yes, we can have a life, enjoy our family, invest in friendships, have a career, or whatever else we sense God is giving us to do; however, we all have the main responsibility to obey God and fulfill our kingdom destiny.
In verse 2:13, Adonijah asked Bathsheba to go to Solomon about taking Abishag as his wife. Notice he did not go to Solomon. If you are close to a leader, people will often come to you to ask for something to try to manipulate their way in. Abishag was part of David’s royal harem, and in that day and culture, if a man died, his wife or concubine was passed down to the king’s successor. In 2:15, Adonijah’s request was based on expectations of the people to place him in authority. Because of this rebellious and manipulative maneuver, Solomon had Adonijah executed for his attempt to promote himself as successor. Joab and Shimei are also executed, riding the kingdom of divisive and disobedient men. In churches, God or a pastor may have to ask someone to leave if they are divisive and disobedient.
Honoring authority and anointing is a humble heart that seeks unity. Sowing seeds of discord and discontent is a self-centered or self-promoting heart that causes disunity. If we want God to be able to move in our lives or ministries, let’s adapt ourselves submit to authority and honor leadership. It’s God’s way and it’s a highway to the move of God!
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