1 Kings 1-2: God's Unstoppable Kingdom

Psalm 37:1-2 "Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb."

This morning as we crack open the book of 1 and 2 Kings, we find ourselves at the end of David's life. David has lives a long and faithful life, but it is now coming to and end. Yet before he passes away, some very crucial things happen.

First, one of his sons, Adonijah, seeks to steal the kingdom from Solomon. David has already stated that Solomon would be the king who would reign after him, but Adonijah had a different idea. However, Nathan and Bathsheba get wind of this, tell David, and David takes action. David has Solomon anointed as king, and that solves that problem. Adonijah then comes to Solomon pleading for his life, and Solomon is merciful to him.

Second, David gives some instructions to his son Solomon before he passes away. He starts with some spiritual advice (which we looked at in our past devotion from 1 Chronicles), but continues by telling him to slaughter two of his enemies. This is quite interesting, and I'll be honest with you: it's a bit sketchy as well. Is David acting in righteousness here, seeking the destruction of those who threaten the kingdom of God? Or is David sinfully seeking the destruction of those who rose up against him? The text seems to be neutral about the issue. Either way, Solomon carries out his father's wishes, and the lesson is clear: those who oppose God's kingdom will not stand. Although both of these men's sins were long ago, their punishment was not forgotten. Both Joab and Shimei were killed for their sins, though they thought they got away with them.

Both of these stories perhaps seem very distant from us this morning, but let us observe what they teach us about God's kingdom. In 2 Samuel 7, God promised David a kingdom that would never end. Although David himself has now died, his kingdom is passing on through his line. Let us realize greatly how this kingdom was blessed by the Lord, even in these short two chapters: First, we find that David's kingdom cannot be touched. Although men plan insurrections, the Lord is sovereign over David's kingdom. Second, we find that David's kingdom leads to the destruction of his enemies. Those who stood against David's kingdom did not stand for very long. In the end, David's kingdom was unstoppable.

Yet let us realize how David's kingdom was ultimately Christ's Kingdom. Christ came as the "Son of David" (Matt. 1:1) who would fulfill the Davidic Covenant given by God in 2 Samuel 7. Just like Solomon, Jesus Christ does and will reign no matter who stands opposed to him. Furthermore, Jesus Christ will triumph over all of his enemies, just as David triumphed over his. The kingdom of David and Solomon were both great, but they both point us to a better and everlasting kingdom--the Kingdom of God.

So, how does this apply to us? Well, to those of us who believe, we can take great comfort knowing that we serve a God of an everlasting kingdom. Although chaos happens in the world around us (which it certainly is right now!), we can stand on firm ground knowing that our foundation will not be moved. Christ will reign forever even though men will try to rise up against him. Furthermore, we can have great assurance that all of our enemies will be destroyed. The men who rise against us to destroy us, persecute us, and humiliate us will eventually get the punishment they deserve. Even our sin will be destroyed. Thus, we can sing along with David:

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb." Psalm 37:1-2