n life, we are often confronted with the need to make choices and take decisions. In fact, life is shaped by the choices we make and this is why we need to be careful about our decisions and choices.
Every choice has its own consequences and there are consequences for every action.
Many times, we base our choices on things we see or hear; that is why the advertisement industry will continue to be relevant because their packaging appeal to consumers’ sight or hearing perception.
However, as believers, we need God to guide our choices and decisions in life, even in the things that seem ordinary.
Adonijah was a man who so much desired the throne of his father and even assumed kingship while his father was still alive. He installed himself as King, probably because of certain rights and privileges attached to the throne until this was corrected by his father David and Solomon was officially appointed the king! Even at this, Adonijah’s eyes were still on certain privileges; he wanted David’s youngest wife (the beautiful Abishag) and he proceeded further to make this request through Bathsheba(the King’s mother).
This proved to be a destructive request as it led to his untimely death!
1 Kings 2:12-25 12
Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. 13 And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably. 14 He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on. 15 And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the LORD. 16 And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on. 17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. 18 And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king. 19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand. 20 Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. 21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. 23 Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. 24 Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. 25 And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
Adonijah would not have died but probably have been left to live peaceably at least since the throne has been given to the rightful owner: Solomon, but he had a strange appetite which led to his decision to make a destructive request!
How so painful! Adonijah was killed because he didn’t limit himself to where he was supposed to be but began to stretch his hands to what did not belong to him. Even King Solomon said Adonijah’s request was against his very own life.
Are there desires you have and you are making efforts at choosing? You may need to consider your choices again in the light of God’s guidance.
It is not too much to seek God’s guidance in making that choice! Don’t be led by sight but by the spirit and by faith.
I pray you will not make a decision, choice or request against your very own life
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7
As believers, we cannot afford to base all our choices on sight; we must seek and ask God to lead us else we click the error button! This can be destructive!
It is often said that “all that glitters is not gold”.
To Adonijah, the beautiful young woman was glittering and attractive but making a request for her was signing for his own death.
May the Lord continue to guide and order your steps in the path of life! May you not make choices that will lead to your destruction! Amen!
©Funmi Adebayo