-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)
David was old. Weak. Near death. And yet the future of the kingdom still depended on what happened in those final moments.
1 Kings opens with confusion, ambition, and uncertainty. Adonijah tried to take the throne for himself while David was still alive. He gathered supporters, hosted public celebrations, and acted like the kingdom already belonged to him. But God had already chosen Solomon.
There is an important lesson here: Not everyone who promotes themselves has been appointed by God.
Adonijah looked impressive. He sounded royal. He had influential friends. But appearances are not the same as obedience.
Meanwhile, David gave Solomon final instructions before his death. He did not simply tell his son how to rule politically. He told him how to live spiritually:
“Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands…” — 1 Kings 2:3
David understood something many people never learn: success is not measured merely by how long we live, how much we accumulate, or how powerful we become. A life is measured by faithfulness to God.
Even David himself was a reminder of that truth. His life had victories and failures, courage and sin, repentance and heartbreak. Yet through it all, David still trusted the promises of God. He died looking ahead to a kingdom he would not fully see in his lifetime.
That hope matters.
The Scriptures repeatedly point beyond temporary kingdoms toward the coming Kingdom of God — a kingdom ruled by the promised Son of David. David himself knew he would one day rest in the grave awaiting resurrection and restoration under God’s final King.
That is our hope too.
Not escape from earth. Not floating away forever somewhere distant. But resurrection, restoration, and life in God’s coming kingdom.
The beginning of Solomon’s reign reminds us that every generation must choose whether it will submit to God’s wisdom or chase its own ambitions.
And the ending of David’s life reminds us of another truth: Starting well is good. Finishing well is better.
Three Things to Remember
1. Self-promotion is not the same as God’s calling.
Adonijah exalted himself, but God had already chosen someone else.
2. The condition of the heart matters more than outward success.
David’s final concern was Solomon’s obedience to God.
3. Our ultimate hope is still future.
Like David, we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises and the resurrection of the dead. The world teaches us to chase comfort, status, and recognition now. But Scripture constantly points us forward.
Toward a better King. A better kingdom. And a better future than this world can offer.
Reflection Questions
- How do you tend to measure success in your own life or in the lives of others?
- “A life is measured by faithfulness to God.” How is your life measuring up?
- What have you started well that still needs to be finished well? What steps can you take toward that purpose?
- Who has shared spiritual wisdom with you? What spiritual wisdom have you gained thus far that you can pass along?
- What evidence can you find regarding David’s view of death? How is it like or unlike yours?
Prayer
Dear God – I thank You for the wisdom found in Your book and in Your people. Help me grow in wisdom, seeing what is most important, and faithfully living in obedience to You. Thank You for the promises You give, including the coming resurrection and kingdom with the Son of David (who is Your Son, too). In his name I pray.
Seek Grow Love 