King David had many sons and they all probably had dreams of succeeding their father on the throne.
Absalom was the first to try to take his father's throne. He endeared himself to the people by intercepting them when they went to the king for justice. Over a period of time, he garnered significant trust with them through this personal access and through his good looks and charm!
Then, through a clever and carefully laid out plan, he marched on Jerusalem to overthrow his father. David escaped with a large group of those who were faithful to him - including many of his fighting forces. He left a spy behind to send him 'intelligence reports'.
In the long run, David's forces defeated Absalom. Unfortunately, Absalom died in the battle. David was deeply grieved over the death of his son! [Read II Samuel 15-19 for the whole story]
The next to try a coo was Adonijah. He was one of David's older sons. He was an arrogant man who used his privilege and opportunity to have fifty men run ahead of him! He conspired with one of the priests and the leader of David's army. David was now very old. Adonijah threw a party and invited everyone who was important - including all of David's sons - except Solomon. The plan was to announce his kingship and overthrow his father by surprise!
The prophet Nathan heard of this plan and spoke privately with Bathsheba (remember her?). He informed her of the plot and advised her to speak to the king about his promise to make her son (Solomon) king. After she approached the king, Nathan also came to report to the king about Adonijah's plan.
David sprung into action! He called for Solomon to be placed on the royal donkey and brought into Jerusalem. Once there, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him king over Israel. Then they blew the ram's horns and all the city began to shout: "Long live King Solomon!"
Adonijah's feast was just culminating when they heard the shouts from the city. It threw his guests into confusion; they scattered in fear of retribution! Adonijah took refuge in the sanctuary in fear that his brother would have him killed.
David effectively handed his rulership over to his appointed successor, who sought to bring honor to God and his father, David! [Read I Kings 1 for the whole story]
In the legacy of kings of Israel and Judah that follow Solomon's reign we see terrible atrocities take place. The whole situation is so despairing to God that He finally allows both nations to be carried off into captivity.
The New Testament bears similar brutalities and horrors. Remember how Herod had the children of Bethlehem slaughtered in hopes of killing off any future heir to the throne (Jesus).
This same Herod killed two of his own sons because he didn't want them to succeed him on the throne!
Politics get nasty.
All this ought to make us feel a little better as we view the 'reality show' dramatics that have been unfolding over the past several months. Although there have been some nasty exchanges, at least no one's broken into fisticuffs - yet!
There have been a few hopeful moments for me in recent weeks:
- watching Ben Carson give his testimony in a church including lengthy quotes from the scriptures.
- hearing about Franklin Graham's plan to hold prayer rallies in every state capital between now and November to call the nation to prayer for godly leadership!
- hearing the crystal clear hope of Heaven described and lauded at Nancy Reagan's funeral!
As a leader, I also get to lead a congregation in prayer about this election process every Sunday. Prayers of agreement are especially powerful before our mighty God.
But the thing that helps me sleep at night is the acknowledgement that God truly appoints leaders:
Romans 13:1 (NIV)
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,
for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God.
God will either give us leadership that will establish justice and restore values...
or...
Whichever happens, my role is exactly the same. I am to be a godly man who lives with integrity and intercedes for my family, community, country and world! I am to be a faithful example of what it looks like to live for God. With God's help, I will do this!
My counsel to you: It's far more important for you to pray than it is for you to vote!
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