a tale of two sons

As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.

1 Kings 1:37

God is good to King David, even in his feeble, advanced age and despite all his past mistakes. Solomon, the son he had with Bathsheba, (the woman he lied, murdered, and conspired to have) is appointed his successor and crowned king. That is the grace of God overcoming David’s worst sins. Adonijah, the selfish son whom David never truly disciplined (1 Kings 1:6) is turned back from his attempted capture of the crown, and ultimately bows to his father’s wishes and recognizes Solomon as rightful king. There is mercy shown to Adonijah’s rebel heart that is a part of this story.

God’s grace and mercy are shown in this tale of two sons at the close of David’s story. A potential divisive rebellion ends in repentance, worship, and rejoicing as Solomon takes his place on Jerusalem’s throne. Adonijah finds mercy as he quickly turns from selfish sin. Solomon finds grace as he is given a kingdom.

In Jesus we see that we are really both sons in His eyes... recipients of mercy and grace forever in the Son Who was obedient to death, raised from the dead to rule, and who is now our Eternal King! He will forever rule on His earthly father David’s throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He will bestow mercy on our rebel hearts as we repent of our personal lust to seize the throne and make all our own ruling choices. He will give grace to those who turn to Him and call us to rule and reign with Him as we surrender to King Jesus!