Parents, Establish Your Kingdom
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By Bobby Sebastian in Bible Study
Published: Tuesday, 01 June 10 - 01:31 PM (GMT -06:00)
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In 1 Kings chapter one David is on his death bed and his children are at it again. This time it’s Adonijah. Even though David had earlier made it very clear that his son Solomon was heir to the throne, Adonijah began taking steps to crown himself king. Why did David have so much trouble with his children? Perhaps verse six gives us the answer: “And his father had not rebuked him at any time…” David had a lot of wonderful spiritual gifts, but a strong hand in governing his own children wasn’t one of them. There seems to be a pattern here. All the way to his final moments, tired, weak, and dying, David is still dealing with delinquent children. On the other hand, Solomon uses another approach. Once crowned as the new king, he summons Adonijah and explains very clearly that as long as he conducts himself honorably he will live, but if he steps out of line, he will die. Things seem to be going well until Adonijah contrives a plan to marry one of King David’s concubines, which implied certain kingly rights. Solomon makes it clear in chapter 2, verse 23, that Adonijah has chosen the outcome with his own actions and is put to death, just as Solomon promised. Next, Shimei, who had cursed David earlier in David’s life, is instructed by Solomon to remain within the gates of his home town and if he ever leaves it will cost him his life. Three years later Shimei goes after some runaway servants and Solomon summons him. After reminding Shimei of the ground rules he has him put to death. The last words of chapter two read: “Thus the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.” Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we should execute our erring children. But the principle of establishing roles of leadership and authority haven’t changed. David gave instructions, but did not follow through with discipline. Solomon gave clearly understood instructions, including well defined consequences if the rules weren’t followed and he did exactly what he said, thus establishing his kingdom. If your house is your castle then use the wisdom of Solomon and establish your kingdom as a parent and do it early. If you aren’t establishing your kingdom someone else will, and it’s probably your children. Isn’t that a scary thought. Explain clearly the rules and consequences and hold to them every time, or else watch your kingdom crumble.
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