The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2 September 2026 – Man’s Election Versus God’s Appointment
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TOPIC: Man’s Election Versus God’s Appointment
READ: 1 Kings 2:10-18
10 So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David.
11 The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years.
12 Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.
13 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. So she said, “Do you come peaceably?” And he said, “Peaceably.”
14 Moreover he said, “I have something to say to you.” And she said, “Say it.”
15 Then he said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over, and has become my brother’s; for it was his from the Lord.
16 Now I ask one petition of you; do not deny me.” And she said to him, “Say it.”
17 Then he said, “Please speak to King Solomon, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.”
18 So Bathsheba said, “Very well, I will speak for you to the king.”
THE MESSAGE:
Then he said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over; and has become my brother’s; for it was his from the Lord.”
From our text, it appears that by custom, kingship was the right of the speaker, the expectation of the people, and the consent of the high priest. And without clearance from his father and confirmation from God, Adonijah went ahead to declare himself king. This certainly was not in line with the covenant David made with Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:17), which in every sense, had God’s support. Here, we see the tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty; or man’s election versus God’s appointment.
Again, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty in the choices of life; particularly as it relates to leadership. At every level, we should appreciate that the choice of a man is not the business of men but that of God. The process should not be determined by human ambition or popularity, but according to God’s divine will and eternal purpose (Psalm 75:6-7). He chose David over Saul despite societal expectations (1 Samuel 16:7). Let us not make leaders by human calculations or expectations. Let us accept those whom God has chosen by divine appointment and revelations. We must be careful not to assume positions which God has chosen us for.
PRAYER: Lord, deliver me from presumption and grant me grace to accept Your choice.
