Go to the King

This week's Haftarah finds King David at the end of his life. One of his sons, Adonijah, seeks to set himself up as king even though it was predetermined that Solomon would be king after David (1 Chronicles 28:5,6).

Adonijah had some strong backing including David's long time military commander, Joab. But when Nathan the prophet and Solomon's mother Bathsheba learned of Adonijah's plan, they came up with a plan of their own - talk to the king about it.

Their plan was not very complicated. The only thing it required was an audience with David, which was not difficult for them to get. After they told him what was going on and reminding him of his word concerning Solomon, he established Solomon as king and that was the end of the matter.

Nathan and Bathsheba could have sought other options. For one, they could have organized armed resistance. They believed that they knew what God's will was. Surely he would have given them victory. Maybe things would have still turned Solomon's way. But there would have been a lot of bloodshed and Solomon's reign would not have gotten started on the right foot.

Another possible solution could have been to submit to this turn of events. After all is not God in control? Is it not possible that this situation was of him? They could have waited through this disappointment, trusting that eventually God would work it out in his own time.

A third alternative could have been to just make Solomon king. He was the true heir to the throne. They could have ignored what Adonijah was trying to do or launch a political campaign to persuade the masses to follow whom they believed was the true king.

But they did none of these things. They went to the one who had the authority to do something about it. And King David did. He installed Solomon as king, thus settling the matter.

In the difficult situations we face, we need to go to the ones who can make a difference. That may be a parent, the school principle, or our boss at work. Ultimately, it is to the King we need to go. God is the ultimate authority. No one can make a difference in our life situations like he can.

What would our lives, our families, our neighborhoods, cities, countries, and the world be like if we started really taking our problems to God? And we don't have to wait for everyone to do it. Just as it only took two individuals to bring the matter to David the King, don't be surprised what God will do if you bring your problems to him.