Week 10 - Day 1

June 30, 2008
Day 1/ Week 10

A Breath of Life

Today's Treasure: 1 Kings 1: 1

"When King David was old and well advanced in years, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him"

We are about to find ourselves at the end of our journey with King David. I don't know about you, but I don't even want to turn the pages knowing that his death is inevitable. It is so difficult to let go of someone you have spent so much time studying. We have gotten to know David on so many levels. We have seen him grow from a common shepherd boy to the king of God's chosen nation. I feel as though I am truly having to say good-bye to him. My heart aches to know that such a vibrant warrior is now a frail man lying beneath covers fighting for the strength to stay warm.

Read 1 Kings 1: 1 – 27

At what point in David's life does this book open, and what appeared to be the state of his health?

A: David is very old and feeble as this book begins. He seems to be in the final stages of his life

Read each of the following statements and identify whether they are true or false.

True – Adonijah was the son of David born after Absalom

False – Bathsheba was Adonijah's mother. Actually, Haggith was Adonijah's mother.

False – Adonijah wanted to be the commander of the army in Joab's place. The truth is that Adonijah wanted to succeed his father as king.

True – Adonijah wanted to be king

True – David had never questioned Adonijah's behavior

What impact on Adonijah's life do you think David's lack of discipline might have had?

A: I believe it had a huge impact on his life. We all know someone that grew up in a home with very little discipline. At the very least, the person is not easy to be around. Most often, the lack of discipline has much greater consequences…such as criminal acts!!! I am sure Abonijah felt entitled to his throne because his father did not teach him work ethic and the concept of "no"!!!!
 
Read the following list of names and identify whether each was for (F) or against (A) Adonijah:

A: Joab and Abiathar the priest were both for (F) Adonijah

Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest were against (A) him

Do you remember Nathan from a previous chapter involving David and Bathsheba? Nathan was the prophet that was strong enough to confront David with his sin. He made David realize what his sin caused, and this eventually led to David's repentance. Now, Nathan is once again coming to the rescue.

What conclusions can you draw concerning Nathan's character from these two events?

A: That Nathan was willing to risk his life to stand up for God's will. Nathan could have easily been put to death for being so brazen with the king. He knew he must make a stand for God's purpose in the lives of David and Solomon.

Take a few moments to reflect on everything that has happened in the life of David at this point. Isn't it amazing to consider all he has been through…and OVERCOME!!!! It is very difficult to imagine him as a fragile 70 year old man. Yet, he has done a lot of living in his 70 years. David experienced every imaginable extremity in life. He fought in many battles and conquered everyone he sought. He loved passionately (a little too passionately if you ask me)!!! He experienced friendship as strong as anyone could. He was hated by someone so much that they wanted him dead. He shared the joy of being a father, and the desperation of losing children. On top of all this, he succeeded in ruling God's chosen nation.  

Do you feel like your life has been relatively action-packed with lots of highs and lows?
A: Let's not even go there with me!!! Let's just say I think God believes I can handle a great deal!! I am honored by his trust in me, but it would be nice to sail on quiet waters for a while after this. Even though I have faced many trials in my life, I have to say that my blessings overshadow them all. I have two loving parents, the most amazing husband anyone could ask for and the joy of two incredible little boys. I am surrounded constantly by more friends than anyone deserves!!! I know I am going to overcome this cancer, but if I were to leave this world today, I would feel so complete!!!

I am going to copy a poem that Beth shares in today's lesson because I love her words:

Satisfy me not with the lesser of You
Find me no solace in shadows of the True
No ordinary measure of extraordinary means
The depth, the length, the breadth of You
And nothing in between.
Etch these words upon my heart, knowing all the while
No ordinary roadblocks plague extraordinary miles
Your power as my portion, Your glory as my fare
Take me to extremities, But meet me fully there.

What do those words mean to you?

They describe exactly how I can be thankful for my cancer!!!
 
In closing, Beth takes a look at the affect Bathsheba had on David when she came to him seeking his assistance. She knew if Adonijah became king, she and Solomon would be in grave danger. Therefore, she knew she had to implore David to take charge of the situation. I am sure David was not feeling much like a king in his state of health. Can you imagine how he must have felt when Bathsheba entered his chambers? I wonder if he was brought back to the passion that he found for her the first time he saw her. I am sure having her by his side triggered some real emotions that he had not felt for some time. Only David could take care of her need, and that made him feel revived. He found the strength to leave his sickbed and take care of business. I look forward to watching the next chapters unfold with you!!!