* Notice how Abiathar (bad priest) was attracted to Adonijah (the bad king).
* Both guys were seeking a name for themselves.
* But Zadok (the good priest), Benaiah (the warrior), and Nathan (the prophet) were all attracted to David (the good king).
* The conniving, brand-building, ambitious, self-seeking man refused to hang around those who were faithful to the one true king.
* Question - who is attracted to you and who are you attracted to?
* All too often we see pastors staying away from certain people because what’s in them doesn’t jive with what’s in the others.
* vs 32-25 - it was the prophet, priest, and warrior who made Solomon king!
* We need to represent Jesus as king, and the only way to do it is to be like these guys!
1 Kings 1:15 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* What do you think of when the name Bathsheba is mentioned?
* Now, how about Esther?
* Both women ended up in the same spot - in a position to influence the most powerful man on the planet.
* Both women got the king moving in the right direction and it positively affected their culture.
* This is a picture of God’s redemption - He can make a message out of our mess if we let Him.
* Also notice - both women needed someone to get them moving in the right direction.
* Esther needed Mordecai and Bathsheba needed Nathan.
1 Kings 1:52 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* This verse shows us the very first words out of Solomon’s mouth.
* Two oversvations:
* 1) What he DID say:
* Essentially, “it’s not my decision to put you to death - it’s yours” (Adonijah)
* Solomon was showing mercy and giving Adjonijah a mulligan.
* It would be Adonijah’s choice.
* 2) What he DID NOT say:
* “You have nothing to fear.”
* Adonijah had everything to fear, but it would be based on his own behavior.
* Solomon’s first act was to show mercy, but he did it in such a way that struck fear in the heart of this man.