Words of Light
Reflections on God's presence in our lives and world
Going Deeper – 1 Kings 1
Posted by on February 5, 2012
Title and Text: “A King’s Inauguration” – 1 Kings 1
Connect:
- In stories you’ve heard (fairy tales, movies, books, or actual events) who are the likely heroes? What features do they share? (E.g. are they young or old, attractive or plain, rich or poor, gifted or average?).
Cultivate:
- With whom do you most identify in this story: David, Adonijah, Solomon, or perhaps Nathan or Bathsheba? Why?
- Have you ever had to confront someone, such as Nathan and Bathsheba did with David? What did it feel like? How did you approach the situation/person?
- Adonijah ambitiously seeks the throne, even though God’s word through the prophets had already identified Solomon, his younger brother, as the chosen royal successor. How do you think Adonijah felt towards Solomon? What made him think that his actions could make him king even though God had revealed a different plan?
- Solomon’s mercy towards Adonijah is remarkable, especially considering that no one would have questioned him if he sought retribution against his scheming brother. What led to Solomon’s display of mercy?
- Read Luke 14:7-11. How do the examples of Adonijah and Solomon illustrate the truth of Jesus’ parable? Can you think of contemporary examples?
- While there are many key characters in this chapter, the most prominent is perhaps the Lord. In the midst of human scheming (Adonijah) and weakness (David) God accomplishes his plan. How does God’s sovereign will comfort us? How does it caution or challenge us?
Commission:
- Identify the character below whom you identified with in the first “cultivate” question (if it wasn’t one of these, pick the one you resonate with most) and proceed accordingly:
- David: How do you feel weak, washed-up, or inadequate? Offer this to God with prayer that he would accomplish his will even through your weakness.
- Adonijah: What are your pursuing that reflects your own agenda rather than God’s desire? Offer this to God with prayer that he would purify your heart.
- Solomon: What blessings has God given you? Offer this to God with prayer that he would use you as a channel of his blessing to others—even your enemies.
