I Want to Walk on the Water

As King David approached the end of his reign, the shadows of mortality loomed large. In this twilight, Adonijah (add-uh-NYE-juh), David’s fourth-born yet eldest living son, boldly declared himself the next king of Israel. Scripture recounts that Adonijah audaciously “exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’” He prepared chariots and horsemen, even gathering fifty men to run before him. In his quest for power, he secured the support of influential figures, including his cousin Joab and Abiathar the priest. In 1 Kings 1:6, we learn that Adonijah was a handsome man, yet he had not been disciplined by his father. This absence of correction sowed the seeds of pride and arrogance within him. The number four—Adonijah’s position among David’s sons—symbolizes divine order. Yet, he failed to grasp the lesson of his own family history: that familial position does not validate kingship. In the book of Samuel, chapter 16, we witness a pivotal moment when the Lord rejected Saul as king. When the ...

To prepare for the GO BE SALTY™ October Challenge, which involves reading the book of Proverbs throughout the month, I started rereading the account of King Solomon in 1 Kings. In the wee hours this morning, the Lord gently dropped this resounding message in my spirit. 🎺 At the beginning of 1 Kings, our beloved King David is nearing the end of his 33-year reign in Jerusalem, the city of peace, and is described as feeble and close to death. Scripture tells us that his fourth born, but eldest living son, Adonijah (add-uh- NYE -juh), has unabashedly declared himself to be the next king of Israel. Upon hearing this, Nathan, the prophet, informed Bathsheba—queen consort and mother of Solomon—about Adonijah's actions and advised her on how to approach King David. Following Nathan’s guidance, Bathsheba entered the king’s chamber and respectfully bowed before him. She reminded King David of his oath to her that her son would succeed him and occupy his throne. Then, she told him all that N...