The Way of KingsNäide

Long Live the King

Bible Verse: “The king then took an oath: ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.’” (1 Kings 1:29-30)

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 1:28-53

Humble beginnings.

It’s a common trope. It’s meant to draw our attention, not to the beginning itself, but to the (vastly different) current circumstances. It’s about the journey. The places, people, and events along the way that have shaped the story and the characters.

The kingdom of Israel certainly fits the trope. It truly did have humble beginnings—the first king anointed while looking for some lost donkeys (1 Samuel 9:1-27), and the second, just a ruddy young shepherd (1 Samuel 16:1-13). They were the first kings who attempted to unite an unruly and semi-scattered group of tribes. But they did. These two very flawed leaders were the first kings of God’s people.

David was the most famous of Israel’s kings. His military conquests expanded the lands of Israel and unified the people. But David was not immortal. On his deathbed, he passed the kingdom to his son, Solomon.

The life and reign of Solomon are chronicled in the book of 1 Kings, which we will examine this week. Both his wisdom and incredible lack of foresight are on display.

After Solomon, the kingdom of Israel descends into dark days under the leadership of successive kings.

The king set the tone for the entire nation. We do not have records of the faithfulness of the average Israelite; we have a record of how the kings led. The men who held the throne in Israel were responsible for the fate of the nation.

That’s a big weight to shoulder. Although we are not kings, sometimes it can seem that we bear more than we should have to as men, brothers, husbands, fathers, and members of Christ’s Church. But as with Solomon, it is God on whom we rely. God, who sees us through our ups and downs.

Prayer: God, the weight of leadership can sometimes seem daunting and unfair. The responsibility for others is a great burden on our shoulders. Help me to stand up under it. Give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to lead when and where You have placed me. Amen.

Reflection: How have you seen your choices impact others? How has the knowledge that your choices do so changed your choices?