While she was still speaking with the king, the prophet Nathan came in. The king was told, “Here is the prophet Nathan.” When he came in before the king, he did obeisance to the king, with his face to the ground.Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall succeed me as king, and he shall sit on my throne’? For today he has gone down and has sacrificed oxen, fatted cattle, and sheep in abundance and has invited all the king’s children, Joab the commander of the army, and the priest Abiathar, who are now eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ But he did not invite me, your servant, and the priest Zadok, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon. Has this thing been brought about by my lord the king and you have not let your servants know who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”
Reflection
Adonijah acts rashly without really trying to figure out who actually held the power in the kingdom. Nathan has always been the key advisor to David, especially as Nathan has proven over time to be a reliable and wise voice. Nathan and Bathsheba were truly loved by David with unique access to the person who was actually in charge. Adonijah mistook physical frailty for mental and political weakness and in so doing condemned himself.
In the power struggles you witness in your community, who is gaining from them? Who is getting hurt?
How might God shape how power is used and distributed in your community?
Prayer:
Jesus, lover of the poor, you gave us the gift of faith. Forgive us when our faith is not alive and active. Help us show our love for you to be generously helping those in need. May we serve the way you serve. Amen.
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