Daily Reading
Daily Thought
God tells David of his son, Solomon, "Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days" (1Chronicles 22:9). Except the first chapter of his reign was bloody. His inauguration was marked by violent justice, because true and lasting peace comes, not from wishfulness, but righteousness. Solomon would be the man of peace who delivers righteousness, cleansing a land stained in blood.
Adonijah, the opportunist son, had attempted but failed to wrest the kingdom from David on his deathbed. He claimed peace, but asked for Abishag as his wife. Abishag had been King David's concubine. If she became his wife, it was a claim to the throne. Unfortunately for Abishag, Solomon was wise to this, "Ask for him the kingdom also!" (1King 2:22), he cried. The treason that remained in the heart of Adonijah was exposed, and he was struck down.
Two others had displayed treachery in the past and could not be trusted in the future, and they, too, would feel the sword of justice. Joab had spilled the innocent blood of Abner and Amasa while David was king. Shimei, a relative of Saul, aroused rebellion in the people. "Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity" (Proverbs 22:8); "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). You reap what you sow is scattered through Scripture, and at the inauguration of his reign, Solomon gives evidence to this truth. Justice shall rule the land; and through justice, righteousness; and out of righteousness, peace.
Daily Prayer
God of peace, I know that You are good and You made this world good. When I follow You, I am blessed. Your discipline is good. It comes from Your love and Your desire to see me live a life of righteousness and peace.
Your correction is painful, at times, but I am glad for it. It puts me back on the right track. Do not let me become blind and deaf to the consequences of evil, but help me remember the joy of walking with You, so I will always long for it.
Amen
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