In today’s society, we function from a place where we set our own plans and goals. We seek after positions we believe belong to us. We learned the responsibilities of the role and stepped into the position when asked. Therefore, we assume that when the position is available, we would receive the new title. After all, we’ve been doing the work. This is not always the case. What do you do when you thought you had the position but the role goes to someone else?
The Story: 1 Kings 1
In 1 Kings 1, we see this very situation. King David was quite ill and his successor hadn’t yet been appointed. His oldest living son, Adonijah, believed that he was next in line due to his ranking in the family. He decided to have a party to celebrate his upcoming position. He invited those close to him and left off some key people from his festivities. Adonijah conveniently neglected to extend an invitation to Zadok, the priest, Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, Nathan, the prophet, and Solomon, his youngest brother. People are free to invite whom they choose. In the case of ceremonial succession, the overlooked parties were essential to solidifying Adonijah’s position as king.
While Adonijah feasted with the select few, Bathsheba received notification of the party. She went to King David and notified him of the premature self-appointment. The king summoned Nathan and informed him of the plan to establish Solomon as king. Nathan followed every detail given be the king. When Solomon became king, the city rejoiced so loud that Adonijah could hear it at his party. A messenger notified him and his guests that Solomon was now king.
The Lesson
“What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.” This quote from Walter Scott is applicable when we try to elevate ourselves. We give ourselves titles because we believe our experience speaks for itself. We conclude that we are next in line because we’ve been there the longest. Because of our belief, we invite others to join our bandwagon.
Is it possible that elevation goes beyond experience and seniority? True elevation and promotion comes from God. 1 Samuel 2: 7 says “The Lord makes poor and rich; He bring low, He also exalts.” Psalm 75:7 records “But God is the judge; He puts down one and exalts another.” The choice is in the hand of God.
I can hear you now, “But I deserve that promotion” or “They don’t like me because I’m ________ (fill in the blank).” All of that may be true. BUT God has the final say. It’s important to realize that He sees beyond our limited view. He knows what the promotion entails. Your perceived rejection in one area may be promotion in another. Only God knows. Wait to see how the Lord manifests His best on your behalf.
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
