How can we apply Adonijah's approach to seeking forgiveness in our lives today? Setting the Scene Adonijah tried to seize the throne. Once Solomon was crowned, judgment was certain. “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar” (1 Kings 1:51). His act models the pathway from guilt to mercy. What Adonijah Actually Did • Admitted danger: he “fears King Solomon.” • Fled to the place God appointed for atonement—the bronze altar (Exodus 27:1–2). • Laid hold of the horns—symbols of strength and sanctuary (Psalm 18:2). • Asked for clemency before judgment fell. Timeless Principles We Can Live Out 1. Recognize sin’s seriousness – Romans 6:23: “the wages of sin is death.” Adonijah knew a sentence stood over him. 2. Run to God’s chosen refuge – Hebrews 6:18 speaks of believers “who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us.” – Today that refuge is Christ and His cross, prefigured by the altar. 3. Grasp the mercy offered, not our own merit – Luke 18:13: the tax collector beats his breast, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” – Holding the altar’s horns said, “My only plea is sacrificial blood.” 4. Submit to the rightful King – Colossians 1:13: rescued “into the kingdom of His beloved Son.” – Forgiveness requires acknowledging Jesus’ lordship, just as Adonijah bowed to Solomon. 5. Accept conditions of genuine repentance – Solomon warned: live uprightly, and you live; prove wicked, and judgment returns (1 Kings 1:52). – 1 John 1:6–7 links walking in the light with ongoing cleansing. Practical Ways to “Grab the Horns” Today • Confess specifically and immediately (1 John 1:9). • Appeal to Christ’s finished sacrifice, not personal excuses (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Approach God boldly yet humbly (Hebrews 4:16). • Align life under Jesus’ authority—changes in speech, habits, relationships show repentance (Acts 26:20). • Stay near the altar daily through Scripture and obedience, so fear gives way to joyful security (Psalm 32:1–2). Living After Mercy Is Granted • Gratitude—remember “great is His faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23). • Watchfulness—Adonijah later schemed again and died (1 Kings 2:22–25). Guard against returning to old rebellions (Galatians 5:1). • Witness—point others to the same refuge we found (2 Corinthians 5:20). Scriptures That Echo the Lesson • Psalm 51:1–2 — “Have mercy on me, O God… blot out my transgressions.” • Isaiah 55:7 — “Let the wicked forsake his way… He will freely pardon.” • Hebrews 7:25 — Jesus “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him.” Adonijah’s grasp on the altar invites us to cling to Christ with repentant hearts, find forgiveness, and walk forward in loyal obedience to the true King. |
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