TOPIC: DO NOT EXALT YOURSELF
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 22:54-7
Memory verse: “Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him” 1 Kings 1:5 (KJV)
To ‘exalt’ means to raise in rank, power or character. It is way of elevating by praise. This is generally acceptable when coming from others who may have seen your good works, or achievements or feats over a certain period of time. However, when exaltation is coming from self then there is a big problem.
Jesus warns in Matthew 23:12 (KJV), “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be based; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Exalting one’s self may put one on the wrong side of people. This is because no one can accurately tell how high or esteemed he is before people until certain situation bring to the fore his value before others.
Adonijah, David’s eldest son, didn’t really find out how high he ranks before God, before proceeding to making himself king in Israel. Adonijah did not consult his father who though was very old but was alive, neither did he consult God. Rather, the bible tells us, “And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiather the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him” 1 Kings 1:7(KJV). Going by tradition, as the eldest son alive, he is the legitimate heir to the throne. But Israel have another King who dictates who sits on the throne. And this King has promised David that his son, Solomon will rule after him.
When the matter got to David he gave the word as received from the LORD, and Solomon was enthroned and Adonijah was deemed a coup plotter. thereby putting him on the wrong side of the newly appointed King, Solomon. This rightly sums up the word of our Lord, Jesus Christ, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be based; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Adonijah got on the wrong side of the throne because he exalted himself before God and before the king.
Let others elevate you like God did Solomon, who had older brothers; and Just like God chose his father David from the bush from among his older brothers, he, Solomon was chosen to become King of Israel.
Prayer: Father, help me to have a right estimation of myself at all times in Jesus name.
Bto. Worthmore Aghanenu