Desperation
About that time David's son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, "I will make myself king."1 Kings 1:5
Life can be unfair in the most aggravating ways! One of the amazing aspects of studying the Bible involves the discovery that ancient lives reflect our experiences. The similarities can be eerie. People and the way they relate to one another have not changed in thousands of years. That's why we can learn so much from their lives.
Adonijah wanted to be king of Judah. After all, he was the oldest living son of David. He was handsome, perhaps regal in appearance. So much so that several of David's advisers (Joab and Abiathar) gave him their support. But David had already promised his throne to Solomon. Adonijah's dreams and plans were in vain. Unfortunately, that didn't stop his attempt to take the throne.
David was an absent father in Adonijah's life. He never guided or questioned his son's actions or attitudes. Consequently, Adonijah never learned to recognize limits or how to work within them. He was spoiled into thinking he could always have his own way. He was unable to respect the wishes of others or to acknowledge God's will. Even though David thwarted Adonijah's attempt to take the throne, he failed to deal directly with his son. Adonijah's life was an example of the fact that although David was an outstanding leader and king, he was a poor model as a father. Adonijah's willfulness led to his own death.
Parents do not love their children by letting them do whatever they want or by giving them whatever they desire. Gifts can be an expression of love but so can limits. Self-centered children grow into self-destructive adults. Teaching our children how to respond correctly to the word no can be difficult. But failing to teach them that lesson will do them great harm.
How well have you learned to respond to limits? The word no can be a priceless gift. Knowing how to respond to no is a priceless lesson.
Adapted from 365 Life Lessons from Bible People (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 1996).Tyndale House Publishers
Life can be unfair in the most aggravating ways! One of the amazing aspects of studying the Bible involves the discovery that ancient lives reflect our experiences. The similarities can be eerie. People and the way they relate to one another have not changed in thousands of years. That's why we can learn so much from their lives.
Adonijah wanted to be king of Judah. After all, he was the oldest living son of David. He was handsome, perhaps regal in appearance. So much so that several of David's advisers (Joab and Abiathar) gave him their support. But David had already promised his throne to Solomon. Adonijah's dreams and plans were in vain. Unfortunately, that didn't stop his attempt to take the throne.
David was an absent father in Adonijah's life. He never guided or questioned his son's actions or attitudes. Consequently, Adonijah never learned to recognize limits or how to work within them. He was spoiled into thinking he could always have his own way. He was unable to respect the wishes of others or to acknowledge God's will. Even though David thwarted Adonijah's attempt to take the throne, he failed to deal directly with his son. Adonijah's life was an example of the fact that although David was an outstanding leader and king, he was a poor model as a father. Adonijah's willfulness led to his own death.
Parents do not love their children by letting them do whatever they want or by giving them whatever they desire. Gifts can be an expression of love but so can limits. Self-centered children grow into self-destructive adults. Teaching our children how to respond correctly to the word no can be difficult. But failing to teach them that lesson will do them great harm.
How well have you learned to respond to limits? The word no can be a priceless gift. Knowing how to respond to no is a priceless lesson.
Adapted from 365 Life Lessons from Bible People (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 1996).Tyndale House Publishers
posted by BT at 11:41 AM
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