How should we seek guidance when making requests, as seen in 1 Kings 2:13? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 2:13: “Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, ‘Do you come in peace?’ ‘Yes,’ he answered.” • Adonijah had earlier tried to seize the throne. • Bathsheba’s first instinct is to test motive and intent before engaging. • The verse frames a lesson on careful, discerning approach when making requests. Key Insights from the Encounter • Discernment first: Bathsheba seeks clarity before involvement. • Motive scrutiny: Adonijah claims peace yet carries hidden ambition. • Right channel: He chooses someone with access to the king, showing the importance of proper authority. • Outcome warning: Self-seeking petitions eventually face exposure and judgment. Principles for Seeking Guidance • Examine motives before God. • Approach the ultimate Authority in prayer. • Be transparent and straightforward. • Seek counsel grounded in Scripture. • Wait for alignment with God’s revealed will. Scripture Reinforcement Proverbs 16:2: “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD.” James 1:5: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 1 John 5:14: “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Practical Steps Today 1. Begin with honest prayer, laying motives before the Lord. 2. Search Scripture for guiding truths. 3. Invite trusted believers to weigh in. 4. Evaluate whether the request fosters peace and honors Christ. 5. Proceed only when conscience, counsel, and Scripture agree. Result of Following These Steps Requests offered with pure motives, proper channels, and prayerful dependence receive God’s guidance and peace, unlike Adonijah’s self-serving petition that ended in judgment. |
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