The True King (Planning for Succession) 1 Kings 1
Dying isn't easy but once it's in sight people begin to make plans.
They want to resolve decisions before they go, to avoid squabbling among the
bereaved. How unseemly then is the news that the family of Billy Graham is
already quarrelling among themselves while their patriarch is still alive.
88 years old and ailing, Billy Graham is probably the most influential evangelist
preacher in history. He has presented the gospel to more than 210 million
people in 185 countries. In a Barna Survey conducted recently, Mr. Graham was the only religious leader who has made a positive
impression on the majority of Americans.[1] They won't be impressed by the current spat, between his
eldest son, Franklin
and his wife and his younger son, Ned.[2] As one commentator put it, It is a
struggle worthy of the Old Testament, pitting brother against brother, son
against mother, and leaving the father, the Rev. Billy Graham, trapped in the
middle, pondering what to do.[3]
What is all the fuss about? It concerns a dispute over where the final resting place of Billy and Ruth Graham will be. Ruth, Billy's wife, desires to be buried in the mountains of North Carolina near where she raised her 5 children, and home of the original Billy Graham Training Centre. Franklin Graham, the eldest son and heir of his father's ministries, has a different idea. Franklin has designed the barn-shaped "Billy Graham Library" which is being built in Charlotte, North Carolina where "visitors will pass through a 40-foot-high glass entry cut in the shape of a cross
[They will] be greeted by a mechanical talking cow. They will follow a path of
straw through rooms full of multimedia exhibits. At the end of the tour, they
will be pointed toward a stone walk, also in the shape of a cross, that leads
to a garden where the bodies of Billy and Ruth Graham could lie. Throughout
the tour their will be several opportunities for people to put their names on a
mailing list." Why in the world would Franklin want to do this? "I
wanted to show to another generation of pastors and evangelists what God did through
a man who was faithful and who communicated it simply." But what about the
cow? "One of my concerns is how do you engage a child." His solution
is to have a cow which might say something like: ""Hello. I bet you
didn't know milk comes from a cow. Well, let me tell you about that."
The cow will later introduce Billy: "When Billy was young, we cows knew
there was something special about him..." Reactions? Patricia Cornwell,
novelist and friend of Billy and Ruth who took a tour of the
"library" says: "I was horrified by what I saw...It's a
mockery." Board member Graeme Keith said of the cow: It truly is
tacky." Ned Graham fears that it will belittle Billy's ministry. Ruth
Graham responds: "It's a circus, a tourist attraction."
What went wrong? What lessons can we learn? How do you pass on your heritage to
your children? How do you inculcate your values in such a way that they will
embrace them for themselves? How do we as a church ensure continuity in succession
when pastors move on?
Tonight we begin a new series of bible studies examining the life of Solomon
entitled Gods king in Gods kingdom. We have entitled this first chapter,
The True King (or a Family at Cross Purposes) But there are actually three kings
mentioned in this opening chapter. First there's David, the elderly King
suffering from hypothermia. Then there are two of his sons. First Adonijah.
He's the oldest surviving, with great ambitions. Then there's Solomon, David's
son by Bathsheba, who seems the very opposite to his half brother. Then there's
a host of minor characters. There's Nathan, Joab, Bathsheba and many more. Like
many modern TV drama's the opening episode is a bit of a cliff hanger. It has a
very contemporary ring to it. At one level its about an attempted coup d'etat.
But it goes much deeper because it teaches us important lessons first of all
about the family. About parenting, about the way we bring up children, the way
we treat elderly relatives and their possessions. It has something to say
about working relationships and things like promotion and competition. Both of
these have something to say to how we should do things in the church too. How
we secure continuity and succession in ministry.
Quite simply, in this last episode in David's life we are shown the difference between God's way of doing things, and the world's way. Lets briefly set the scene and look at what we are told about
1. David: The Elderly King
The opening chapter of 1 Kings records the last days of David.
Davids Physical Condition (1 Kings 1:1)
He is very old, suffering from hypothermia, so he is given special nursing treatment.
Doctors have known for 1000's of years that in the case of severe loss of body temperature, contact with body heat is the best form of treatment. In Soviet Siberia I understand this is normal medical practice. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with Soviet nurses, but being a King, David was able to go private and got a pretty nurse with it. His physical condition.
Davids Family Concerns (1 Kings 1:6)
Or rather the lack of it. In the case of Adonijah it seems David had not
been a good father. David had grieved bitterly at the death of Absalom, and it
seems as if David had spoilt his next son Adonijah. The text tells us that
Adonijah was handsome, and that may give us a clue. Parents sometimes have
favourites, and it often has to do with looks. David became your typical
distant father. He didn't have time to get involved in the shaping of Adonijah's
character and will. He overlooked Adonijah's behaviour, failed to discipline
him in love, and today's story, a repetition almost of that of Absalom, is
about how David reaped the consequence of pampering his eldest son. David's
Physical condition, His Family concern, and lastly,
Davids Political Confidence (1 Kings 1:7-8)
David was losing not only physical strength but political power too. Key military leaders like Joab, and religious leaders like Abiathar were switching their allegiance in the ensuing succession. David seems to have failed to communicate adequately to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Its not very different to what we are seeing in many countries today.
Take Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe He cannot cope with the rising aspirations of his people for political reform and democratic freedoms. In the process he has lost all credibility by using the military and judicial system to escalate repression. He uses intimidations, beatings and imprisonment of his opponents as a way of holding onto power. It is an illusion, for real power lies not in the barrel of a gun but as we shall see in a moment, it lies in the hand of God. Like Mugabe, but for different reasons, David not only contributed to this power struggle for the monarchy, he caused it. Lets look at his two sons, Adonijah and Solomon, and note the striking contrasts.
Adonijah: The Prince Regent (1 Kings 1:5, 7, 9)
Adonijah must have read Dale Carnegie's book "How to win friends and influence people", for he had all the right qualities. What were his qualities?
Naked Ambition (1 Kings 1:5)
He had ambition. Is there anything wrong in wanting to be the managing director, or Prime Minister or an Archbishop ? Well it depends on our motives. Is it for God's glory? Will it contribute to the extension of His Kingdom? Will it enable me to serve others more effectively? It depends on our motives and our methods. Thats where Adonijah and Solomon were so different. Not only was Adonijah ambitious, he was also
Blind Arrogance (1 Kings 1:5)
He does not say "I want to become King". What did he say? Read verse 5 again. "I will become King". This wasn't simply an exercize in the power of positive thinking. Nor evidence that he believed in the materialistic doctrine of "Name it and claim it" This wasn't a sign of faith but rebellion. Naked ambition. Blind arrogance.
Physical Attraction (1 Kings 1:6)
Verse 6 tells us that Adonijah was handsome. Just the kind of quality needed in a successful leader. He had charisma, he was photogenic. People always judge a person by their appearance. Adonijah had all the right human qualities to make it to the top.
Furthermore he had all the right qualifications, to ensure his success. What about his qualifications?
He was the Natural Successor
Israel had wanted to be just like the other nations, and had asked for a similar monarchy. In any other kingdom, Adonijah being David's oldest surviving son, he was his natural successor. Solomon was by comparison way down the line, with no chance.
He was also a Rotten Schemer
There were three essential parts to Adonijah scheme.
Image: First
he had to win the psychological war. Adonijah needed to polish up his image. So
he hired the equivalent of Sartchy and Sartchy, and got himself fifty men in
nice bright uniforms to run ahead of his chariots. He didn't have just one limousine,
he had a fleet of them.
Intrigue: To succeed Adonijah needed to win not only the popular vote of the people, but also the power brokers. He had to win not only the public image war, but also the private political war too. Like many politicians today, he knew to succeed, he needed the support of a sufficient majority of the military leaders. Remember that Israel was more like Iran than Britain today. Military, religious and political power went hand in hand. Adonijah felt that General Joab and Bishop Abiathar could tip the balance in his favour.
Influence: Enrogel was a very public place just below and to the south of the City
of David, where the Kidron and the Hinnon valley's meet. Just the place to
combine a religious ceremony and a banquet for all his younger brothers, and
royal officials, with one or two notable exceptions. He probably blew a massive
hole in his business expense account but the investment was worth it. He had
won both the psychological war and political war. The natural successor and a
rotten schemer. Adonijah was in effect crowning himself king, and everybody
knew it. Now lets see how Solomon compares.
Solomon: The True King
Solomon Respected his Fathers Wishes (1 Kings 1:29-30)
1 Chronicles 28 tells of how the Lord revealed to David that it was to be Solomon who would succeed him and build the Temple. David had solemnly sworn to Bathsheba that this would happen. It is therefore not unreasonable to believe that David and Bathsheba told Solomon often, as he grew up.
In arguing from silence we must be cautious, but I believe it is clear from
chapter 1 that Solomon never once sought to claim his right to the throne. He
is not recorded as taking the initiative, not even of reminding his father, or
hinting to him of that promise made many years earlier. He respected his
father's wishes.
Solomon Trusted in his Supporters Petition (1 Kings 1:15-31)
It is to Solomon's credit that he didn't demand his rights. He allowed others to put his case of their own volition. Some argue that our present Queen should abdicate and allow Prince Charles to become King. That is for her, and only her to decide. When David realised what was happening, he lost no time in asserting his authority, and securing the rightful succession.
King David said, Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada. When they came before the king, 1Ki 1:33 he said to them: Take your lords servants with you and set Solomon my son on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. 1Ki 1:34 There have Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, Long live King Solomon! 1Ki 1:35 Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah. 1Ki 1:36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king, Amen! May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. (1 Kings 1:32-36)
Solomon respected his father's wishes, he trusted in his supporters petition, but above all,
Solomon Relied on the Wisdom of God (1 Kings 3:3a, 5-8)
Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his father David. (1 Kings 3:3)
The Lord spoke to Solomon in a dream and asked him a question.At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, Ask for whatever you want me to give you. (1 Kings 3:5) How would you respond to a blank cheque like that? Notice three ways Solomon relied on God's wisdom.
Solomon answered, You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 1Ki 3:7 Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 1Ki 3:8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 1Ki 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? 1Ki 3:10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. (1 Kings 3:6-10)
Solomon relied on the wisdom of God in three ways
By faith recognising his destiny (1 Kings 3:6)
Adonijah put himself first and rebelled against God. Solomon put himself second in his relationship with God.
In humility recognising his need (1 Kings 3:7)
Adonijah had said "I will be king", Solomon said "I am only a child, I don't know what to do.
In service recognising his responsibility (1 Kings 3:8)
Adonijah wanted to rule, Solomon wanted to serve. God richly blessed Solomon and made him a worthy successor to David.
As we shall see in the weeks to come, Solomon built the Temple and God's people
prospered. Because he respected his father, trusted his supporters and relied
on God's wisdom, by faith, in humility and through the service of Gods people.
So what application can we make from this introduction? John Maxwell subtitles
this chapter: The Law of Legacy:
The Law of Legacy
John Maxwell writes, Two things greatly helped Solomon in his
succession to the throne of Israel.: both gave him the authority he required to
rule. First, God chose him to be the next king. Second, David chose him as his
successor. Now while David had not it seems paid enough attention to his
succession planning, when he discovered that Adonijah was attempting to usurp
his authority, David acted. Transitions in leadership can so often cause
significant problems for families, churches and organisations if not handled
with wisdom.
What did David do right?
1. He made a public commitment (1 Kings 1:28-30)
2. He brought key influencers into the process (1 Kings 1:32)
3. He gave Solomon some of his own resources, easily recognisable to the people (1 Kings 1:33)
4. He set up a public commissioning for Solomon (1 Kings 1:34-35)
5. He publicly endorsed Solomons leadership (1 Kings 1:35)
6. He initiated a celebration to transition the leadership to his successor (1 Kings 1:39-40)
That is how David, with Gods help, ensured a godly succession to the throne. It
may be too late for Billy Graham, but if you could offer him advice what would
it be? How can you ensure a godly succession in your home? In your work? How do
we ensure a godly succession in our Church? 1 Kings 1 highlights:
The Necessity of Purpose Driven Leadership
Here are some take away lessons in leadership from John Maxwell.
Seven Lessons in Leadership
1. Success without a successor is a failure.
2. Decision making and problem solving are the fastest way to gain influence.
3. Check your motives before trying to lead anything.
4. Dont prioritize your schedule, but schedule your priorities.
5. Influencing followers is addition. Influencing leaders is multiplication.
6. Keep first things first: Distraction is the enemy of direction.
7. Leaders must touch the heart before they ask for a hand.
Your Homework
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)
1. Identify those you have a responsibility to lead or influence (who has God entrusted to you? Your children, grandchildren, home group, employees?)
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2. What are your core values and principles?
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3. How are you communicating these to the people that matter most to you?
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4. What talents and skills have you developed?
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5. How are you passing these on in such a way that others can replicate them?
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6. What is your vision of the future - your passion?
7. How are you sharing that vision so that it becomes theirs?
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8. Like David, what changes in your life must you make in order to ensure a godly succession in your home, your church and work?
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Lets pray.
[3] A Family at Cross-Purposes by Laura Sessions Step. http://wordpress.com/tag/pastoral/feed