What is God building in your life right now? How are you handling the transition?
The three primary components we will see in Solomon’s transition are Listening, Discernment and Follow Through.
LISTENING (Take it all in) (Read 1 Kings 2:1-12)
Smooth transitions require sharpened listening skills. I picture Solomon here hanging on David’s every word. David was the visionary. God explained a great deal to him about the family legacy and responsibilities. It was David’s turn to pass it on. What are you passing on to others?
David was on his deathbed, yet his focus was not on his own comfort or care. He was committed to imparting as much about God and His plan to Solomon as his breath would allow. David did not have all the answers for Solomon, but he pointed him to the One Who would provide his needs. Based on subsequent verses it is obvious that Solomon embraced these truths fiercely.
Who are you listening to? It makes a difference in your ability to transition.
When God is building something new in your life there is always someone who has gone before you. No one has the exact call and circumstances you have, but usually there are predecessors.
For example, the Lord has been calling me to write more. Obviously people have been writing for years – some very successfully. I have become a listener. I love hearing what other authors have to say about the craft of writing as well as studying the volumes of literature available in libraries and bookstores. I read books with a whole new mindset, and I am “taking it all in.”
Listening to God is the most valuable response to new building. God is the Master Builder. As He works through the transition with you He will provide details that no one else knows. David gave Solomon general instructions, but the specifics would come later from the Holy Spirit. As I continue listening to many instructors with writing, I listen for God’s guidance - the specifics - what does HE want me to write and how.
Notice the admonitions David gave throughout his discourse, “Deal with him according to your wisdom,” and “you will know what to do.” David taught Solomon to seek God for all wisdom and truth.
What are you teaching others? What are others teaching you?
Would you choose to walk through transition as one who listens for the voice of God, the voice of wisdom and truth?
DISCERNMENT (sort it all out) (Read 1 Kings 2:13-25)
It is interesting to note that David gave Solomon no direction at all concerning Adonijah. But Adonijah’s boldness provided an immediate opportunity for Solomon to learn to discern.
Discernment is the ability to understand a situation beyond what is seen outwardly. In its most casual form it means “to sort things out.” Listening takes it all in, discernment sorts it all out.
The first requirement is caution. Bathsheba seemed to be careful with Adonijah at the outset, but for unknown reasons she missed the impropriety of his request. Listening to the words Adonijah used should have been warning enough. His claims that “the kingdom was mine” and “all Israel looked to me” were totally false. God never gave him the kingdom. He ultimately recognized Solomon as God's choice, but that, too, is a statement requiring discernment. Adonijah spoke "spiritually" to please and mislead Bathsheba. Simple lesson: don’t be a pushover, especially with a known threat. Solomon, however, discerned his brother’s true motives.
At first glance, we also may think Adonijah’s request is innocent enough, but Abishag was considered a concubine of King David and sleeping with the king’s concubine was an implied "grabbing" of the throne. (see 2 Samuel 16 for the example of Absalom sleeping with David’s concubines) Solomon briefly explained to his mother that Adonijah’s age (as the older brother) combined with a relationship with Abishag would be fatal to Solomon’s call as king. Praise the Lord for Solomon’s discernment!
What do you need to sort through in your life? Take your time and choose well.
God is building in your life, and the transition requires discernment. How discerning are you?
FOLLOW THROUGH (Do it) (Read 1 Kings 2:26-46)
Once we’ve listened and discerned it is time to move forward with God’s plans. As Nike admonishes, “Just do it!”
Proper Discipline
Abiathar’s dismissal and Joab’s elimination represent proper discipline on Solomon’s part. While both sentences seem harsh, a review of 1 Samuel 2 and 2 Samuel 3 and 20 provide the basis for God’s judgment. Further research reveals the basic tenet for this judgment – lack of repentance. God is a holy God who cannot allow injustices to go unpunished. We applaud such action when we are the victim but tend to rail against God when we are the perpetrator. We can’t have it both ways. Neither Abiathar nor Joab sought God’s forgiveness for their sins.
Don’t miss the New Testament teaching here. This same judgment would be poured out upon all if not for Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus took all the punishment we deserve.
Would you choose to receive His provision for forgiveness today?
Proper Use of God’s Gifts
A recipe for disaster: God’s gifts ignored, God’s gift misused.
Solomon was cleaning house, but he was also appointing trustworthy replacements. Benaiah and Zadok proved themselves faithful and capable with their unique spiritual gifts. Solomon continued to make wise choices as he followed through with God’s call on his life.
What about you? What gifts has God given you and how are you applying them? Whose gifts can assist you? Have you welcomed them?
Proper Patience
Solomon handled each individual case differently. This practice should not be uncommon in our lives. Too often we barrel ahead recklessly, treating every situation and person like cookie-cutter issues. The importance of patience and careful deliberation cannot be overemphasized.
Shimei was basically given a chance to prove his loyalty to the new king. Why was Joab not given the same chance? God’s timing and God’s wisdom. We will never understand all of God’s decisions this side of eternity, but we must trust His sovereignty.
King Saul’s family descended from the tribe of Benjamin, as did Shimei’s. Keeping Shimei in Jerusalem prevented him from connecting with his family and perhaps reigniting conflict between the houses of David and Saul. His cursing of David in 2 Samuel 16 is loaded with accusations concerning David’s mistreatment of the previous royal family. Solomon must have sensed that the threat was still alive and well. (Obviously David’s warning would carry much influence as well.)
Unfortunately Shimei failed the test after three years. I wonder if he thought he was no longer on the proverbial “radar screen.” Did he think they had forgotten about him? We have no record of his thoughts, but Solomon knew it was Shimei’s last chance. Enough was enough.
What habit, activity, relationship or situation is damaging God’s call on your life? Who or what is thwarting the building process of God in you? Would you allow God to do some “house cleaning” and move forward with Him? Make sure it is on His timetable!
Proper Establishment of God’s Call
“The kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon’s hands.” 1 Kings 2:46b
The ultimate goal in following through is to become who God wants you to be in every area of your life. Jesus came so you would not have to do it alone.
What next step will help you follow through with God's work in your life?
Transition challenges even the strongest Christians. Don't let the new responsibilities or the unknown discourage you! God will see you through!
What is God building in your life today? How are you responding to the transition?
How can you become a better listener, more discerning and follow through more effectively?
What season is it for you and the Lord?