Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, "I will be king."
(1 Kings 1:5)
David was getting old and senile. It was time for someone to take over. The only problem is that there are several who want the throne. The most prominent among them was Adonijah, David's fourth born and oldest living son. He makes himself king only to be humbled by God.
When Solomon's throne is established according to David's proclamation, Adonijah has no other choice but to come before his younger brother and begs for forgiveness. Solomon grants forgiveness but later has him executed as an enemy of the state.
Adonijah usurped his brother's throne and was cast down by God. This shows Jesus' statement, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). Adonijah wanted to be the king, but God made him least among his brothers, suffering a fate much like that of his older brothers.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Jesus consistently taught humility through His example. He humbled Himself even to the point of death so that He might be exalted by God and that He might exalt everyone who believes in Him. By faith, you will be exalted when you are raised from the dead on the Last Day to enter into Heaven with Him forever. Amen.
