What lessons on submission to God's chosen leaders can we apply today? Setting the Scene “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not refuse you. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” (1 Kings 2:17) Adonijah’s Heart Revealed • Adonijah pretends submission yet maneuvers for the throne. • Requesting Abishag—David’s former companion—was a political move; in that culture possession of the royal woman implied claim to the crown (cf. 2 Samuel 3:7–8; 16:20–22). • The request exposes a refusal to accept God’s choice of Solomon. • Solomon discerns the threat and acts decisively (1 Kings 2:22–25). Timeless Principles on Submission • God, not people, ultimately installs leaders. Ignoring His choice is ignoring Him (Romans 13:1–2). • Half-hearted surrender breeds schemes and self-promotion; wholehearted submission produces peace. • Motive matters. External politeness with hidden ambition still defies God’s order (Psalm 139:23–24). • Attempting to gain authority by manipulation invites judgment (Numbers 16:1–35; Jude 11). • Genuine submission protects community stability and personal safety (Hebrews 13:17). Positive Models to Emulate • David refuses to strike Saul, honoring “the LORD’s anointed” despite Saul’s failures (1 Samuel 24:6). • The centurion trusts Jesus’ authority because he himself lives under authority (Matthew 8:8–10). • Jesus submits to the Father’s will, even unto death, securing salvation (Philippians 2:5–11). Practical Ways to Submit Today • Government: Respect laws and leaders unless they command disobedience to God (Acts 5:29). • Church: Support pastors and elders, praying for their faithfulness and cooperating with their oversight (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). • Workplace: Serve employers “not only to please them when they are watching, but with sincerity of heart” (Colossians 3:22). • Family: Husbands, wives, parents, and children each embrace God-given roles (Ephesians 5:21–6:4). • Personal Attitude: Reject grumbling or rivalries; cultivate humility and trust in God’s timing (James 4:6–10). Consequences of Resistance • Adonijah’s life ends in judgment—an object lesson that rebellion carries a price. • Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16) and Miriam’s criticism (Numbers 12) show similar outcomes. • God defends His order; resisting it ultimately harms the resistor. Encouragement for Today • Submission is not weakness; it is confidence that God knows what He is doing. • When leaders fail, God still reigns—He can remove, correct, or replace them (Daniel 2:21). • A submissive heart invites blessing, unity, and testimony to a watching world (1 Peter 2:13–17). |
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