Devotional - June 6, 2004

David was at the end of his life, clinging to his kingly throne by a thread. The people however, didn't question his right to rule even though he was old, feeble and slow to make decisions. But his son Adoniijah was slightly older than his brother Absalom and saw his father's condition as an opportunity to take possession of the throne by the popular support of the people.

Adoniijah must have known his father had special plans for his stepbrother Solomon, because he didn't even try to win his approval or Solomon's. Nor did he seek the approval of the old prophet Nathan or that of Benaiah, one of David's famous Thirty band of warriors. He must have known they wouldn't so he looked for support where he could find it.

Were Adoniijah's actions wicked or just plain opportunistic? Scripture reveals that whatever the reason, David failed his sons by by holding them accountable for their wrong actions. First Absalom, now Adoniijah; the king was at least partly to blame for raising sons without scrupples and in his old age he would pay for his negligence.

May we learn a lesson from David. He almost lost it all and as a result God's people were is danger of sharing his loss. While none of us will probably be ruler over a nation, most of us will be afforded the opportunity to raise kids. May we seize the moment and influence our kids with godliness while there's still time. One thing for sure; if we don't lead our kids in righteous living, someone else will lead them in unrighteousness living.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1 Ki. 1:1-53 Ac. 4:1-37 Ps. 124:1-8 Pr. 16:24 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society