I Kings 1:8
“But Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.”
David is advanced in years, so Adonijah steps in and assumes the role as king. The problem is Solomon was promised the job. Adonijah is collecting a team to support himself. Many were part of David’s administration. I would assume Solomon is getting nervous. To remove any threats the new king may put to death any candidates for the throne. Solomon may fear his imminent death. Today’s verse lists some from David’s staff who don’t join Adonijah. This is concerning for him, but comforting for Solomon.
What a blessing to have others to stand with. Usually we have brothers to count on. Very nice. They may not be always present, but we know they are there when needed. Several faces come to mind. The memories of the blessings of their friendship are there.
These friendships must be maintained. Regular meetings are to be had. Some meet monthly, weekly and my coworkers are near daily. Others are yearly. What encouragement is had at these times. Psalm 133:1 says, “A song of ascents of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This verse speaks of the strength we have in numbers. There is the moral strength that we have when we know we have friends and the physical strength when they are present.
In the New Testament the church provides this support group. Within the church like minded groups form and we find our place. Romans 12:6 says, “And we are having different gifts according to the grace having been given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of the faith”. This is one of the blessings of the church, we have our own gifts that contribute to the over all good. Together our gifts functions as a team to lead to the health of the body and the advancement of the kingdom.
Are we exercising our gifts? We grow in confidence when we do. Proverbs 18:16, “A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.” This blesses us. Open doors present themselves. God presents these for us and it’s how God guides us.
There will be those times when we need to lean on God. Sometimes others aren’t there. Those times we learn to go to God for comfort. I Samuel 30:6c ” But David found strength in the LORD his God.” There will be times when God touches us. We need these times. God is to be our sole love and source of support. Yes, He gives us our brothers, but He is the Lord our God. Thank You, God.