PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
May
16

Self-Appointment

John Tilton

Scripture

1 King 1:103

Now Adonijah,whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariotsand horses[a]ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him.6(His father had never rebukedhim by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.) Adonijah conferred with Joabson of Zeruiah and with Abiatharthe priest, and they gave him their support.

Adonijah clearly self-appointed himself to be King, and proceeded to do all the things that preceded and went along with establishing himself as King. He probably had accomplishments and accolades that caused him to think he would be a good king. The word said that he was handsome … not sure if being handsome is an attribute for promotion or being a leader and in this case the king. However, the appointment was not his to make.

Observation

Adonijah clearly self-appointed himself to be King, and proceeded to do all the things that preceded and went along with establishing himself as King. He probably had accomplishments and accolades that caused him to think he would be a good king. The word said that he was handsome … not sure if being handsome is an attribute for promotion or being a leader and in this case the king. Something led him to believe that he should be king. It seems that the things he did in accordance with one who would be king would normally justify and affirm one's appointment. However, the appointment was not his to make. No matter what he did or tried to do, the call and appointment was not his, nor was the position.

Application

This is a good reminder that promotion and appointment is a call from the Lord who will manifest that call through leadership and other’s in positions of authority, but not ourselves. This can also include the propensity of putting ourselves in positions of judging others, by putting ourselves in a position and place of making judgement on others, and then putting that judgement in words through gossip. It can also included getting others to support us in our self-appointment as Adonijah did with Joab and with Abiathar. It doesn’t make it right or correct.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for yet another reminder of letting promotion, appointment and affirmation being yours and for those you call to authority to handle the same. May I wait on you to open the doors of opportunity and call in my life.


Devotions for May 16

1 Kings 1
1 Chronicles 28
Psalms 91
1 Thessalonians 5

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