When One Fights God's Will

Scripture: Then he said, "You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over, and has become my brother’s; for it was his from the Lord." 1 Kings 2:15

Observation: Adonijah thought he would be king and rallied leaders and people to him, but David had declared Solomon to be his heir. With Solomon now king, Adonijah tries to re-manipulate the situation ... he asks Bathsheba to petition Solomon to give him Abishag as his wife, knowing that if the marries David's concubine it will reestablish his claim to the throne.

Yet in verse 15, we see that Adonijah already understands that Solomon is king not because of lineage or even because of David's declaration, but because the Lord decided it. He admits he is the right traditional heir, but the Lord gave the kingship to Solomon. By this confession, it is clear Adonijah isn't trying to overcome Solomon or under David's decree, but rather he is actively opposing God's will and instructions. And it is this act that directly leads to his death this very day. Adonijah wasn't killed for attempting to usurp the throne or lead others in a coup while David was even still alive, but rather he is killed because he set his heart on a plan to undue the Lord's decision.

Application: While doing wrong can - and is - forgiven, actively and knowingly fighting against the Lord is the ultimate wrongdoing. Given how we receive information and instructions from the Lord via the Holy Spirit, this seems the equivalent of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

This isn't about sinning in a way you know is a sin. This isn't about living a sinful lifestyle. This isn't even about being ignorant of God's laws and precepts and instructions. It is about clearly and personally knowing God's will, and deciding you are going to actively attempt to overturn that will.

I know I sin, and I pray for forgiveness. I know I do not understand God's plan and directions, and I likely proceed in ways he does not approve. I know I likely fail to do what he wishes I would do. However, I have no intention of fighting against God's understood plans. I look for those plans, and sincerely hope to then align to them.

We live in days where God's plan can feel hidden. We struggle to understand how deadly plagues, hate-filled riots, financial ruin, and the resulting constant fears of society can be considered in the same thought as our loving God's purposes. But we are confident he does have a plan, and when that is revealed I must be ready to embrace it and find my assignment within it. I do not seek my path through this time, but the Lord's alone.

Prayer: Lord, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. May I forever seek your will alone, and put aside my own thoughts and plans for life. Earlier today I prayed to you about what I would like, but please know those are just honest words in our conversation. I will receive gladly from your hand whatever you have for me, for your ways are far above mine, and I trust in your love forever. Amen.