Welcome to week one of Desiring the Kingdom. We followers of Christ desire to live in a better kingdom than the one we have (or, at least, we should). No human king could ever deliver upon our expectations. Only Jesus can rule over the sort of kingdom in which we want to live.
What attributes would you want in your ideal kingdom? We’ll give you a couple free ones to start, because they’re easy. We all want to live in a kingdom where there is no disease or death. Right? Can we all agree that we are sick of things like COVID and cancer, heart disease and brain tumors, and watching those we love wither away? (Is it possible to call for an amen at this point?)
But there’s more. A kingdom with no abusive relationships, no deception or lying, and no hunger or loneliness would be wonderful, would it not? The list goes on and on. There is only one king who can create such a kingdom. One day we will live in his kingdom because it will be the only kingdom in existence. Today, however, we live in a fallen kingdom, but one into which we can bring down the kingdom of heaven as we follow our heavenly king.
Index to Days 2 through 5
Day 1
One King Forever
(1 Kings 1:1–4 ESV)
[1] Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. [2] Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” [3] So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. [4] The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.
STUDY NOTE: The practice of having someone brought to keep David warm in bed may seem odd to our modern sensibilities, but it was a customary practice in that day and age (admittedly, “beautiful young woman” was probably a criterion just because it was the king). When you don’t have electric blankets, an external heat source needs to be added. Ask anyone from Tennessee what a “three dog night” is and they’ll explain it to you. The Bible text assures us that David had no sexual activity with the young woman.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
(Acts 1:6–11 ESV)
[6] So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” [7] He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” [9] And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. [10] And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, [11] and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
(Revelation 21:1–6 ESV)
[1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” [5] And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” [6] And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
(Revelation 22:1–5 ESV)
[1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. [4] They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. [5] And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Consider
If the Bible is clear on nothing else, it is clear on this: Jesus is eternal and unchanging. Whether we call them president, king, or prime minister, human leaders change regularly and often we have to adapt to wildly different leadership. Not so with our heavenly king! The Jesus we read about in the Bible is the same Jesus we worship and follow today. As we align our mission with his, we won’t have to change course in the future.
Questions for Reflection
- What is one thing about Jesus that you would forever want to see in a leader?
- In what way does knowing your true king is Jesus help navigate changing culture while still loving your neighbor?
Dear Lord, it seems as though the one constant is that everything changes. I change, the people around me change, my leaders change, it feels like such an accepted part of my world. If I’m honest, it’s difficult to grasp the meaning of a heavenly king and kingdom that never changes. It is, however, one of the things you tell us about yourself. You are the same yesterday and forever. Help me find peace and comfort in that, Father. For you have told me that you love me, and that will never change either. It is in the name of my eternal, unchanging king, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.
Day 2
Generational Dysfunction
(1 Kings 1:5–6 ESV)
[5] Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. [6] His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
(1 Timothy 3:2–5 ESV)
[2] Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, [3] not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. [4] He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, [5] for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
(Proverbs 1:8 ESV)
[8] Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
(Proverbs 6:20 ESV)
[20] My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
(Proverbs 11:29 ESV)
[29] Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
(Proverbs 15:20 ESV)
[20] A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
(Proverbs 22:6 ESV)
[6] Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
(Exodus 20:12 ESV)
[12] “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
(Ephesians 6:1–4 ESV)
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3] “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” [4] Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Consider
Trouble in one generation is a portend of things to come. When a family is dysfunctional, especially across generations, it produces instability in its members. The opposite of this is the family where the true king is followed, and that practice passed down from parent to child. Following a stable king makes for stable followers.
Questions for Reflection
- What is an example of generational dysfunction, either from your life (if you are willing to share), or from historical, well-known families?
- Conversely, what is an example of successfully passing down a good legacy that you as a parent have employed or you as a child experienced with a parent?
Heavenly Father, you are the example of a perfect parent. You love me with an everlasting love. No matter how many times I turn away from you, still you rescue me from myself. Give me grace and strength to patiently correct my children, whether in the flesh or in the faith, and instill in them the practice of following you and working to build your kingdom. Do this, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Day 3
Plotting Division
(1 Kings 1:7–8 ESV)
[7] He (Adonijah) conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. [8] But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David’s mighty men were not with Adonijah.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
(1 Corinthians 1:10–17 ESV)
[10] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. [11] For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. [12] What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” [13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? [14] I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, [15] so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. [16] (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) [17] For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
(Romans 16:17–18 ESV)
[17] I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. [18] For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
(Titus 3:9–11 ESV)
[9] But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. [10] As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11] knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Questions for Reflection
- In a church the size of ours, it is certain we will find people on both sides of any major public policy issue. Can you set aside such divisions between yourself and fellow believers to come together as a church in reaching our city with the gospel?
- If you answered yes, what makes it possible to set aside such divisions? If your answer was no, why is it impossible to do this?
Precious Lord, you have called me to the highest mission: to spread your gospel and build your kingdom by making disciples of all people, from every tribe, even those who don’t look like me, live like me, or vote like me. You were able to love those who mocked and mistreated you. Make it possible for me to do the same. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Day 4
Faith is More Than Skin Deep
(1 Kings 1:9–10 ESV)
[9] Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent’s Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, [10] but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
(James 2:1–26 ESV)
[1] My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. [2] For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, [3] and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” [4] have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? [5] Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? [6] But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? [7] Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
[8] If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. [9] But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. [10] For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. [11] For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. [12] So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. [13] For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
[14] What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? [15] If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, [16] and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? [17] So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
[18] But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. [19] You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe–and shudder! [20] Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? [21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; [23] and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”–and he was called a friend of God. [24] You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. [25] And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? [26] For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Questions for Reflection
- How has your relationship with God changed your life?
- What would be some of the defining characteristics of a kingdom built by followers of the true king, those who had true faith?
Heavenly Father, let me examine this day with a view toward seeing your hand upon me. Let me remember each challenge and how I met it. What did I receive from you in those moments? I am grateful for them. Let me recall each person I spoke with today. What did we talk about? Lord, show me what they need and how I can meet that need. Let my words be filled with grace, so I might represent you first and myself only as a distant second. Reveal your Spirit’s handiwork in my life today so I might be encouraged for tomorrow. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Day 5
Our King Cannot Fail
(1 Kings 1:11–53 ESV)
[11] Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king and David our lord does not know it? [12] Now therefore come, let me give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. [13] Go in at once to King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then is Adonijah king?’ [14] Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.”
[15] So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber (now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to the king). [16] Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king, and the king said, “What do you desire?” [17] She said to him, “My lord, you swore to your servant by the LORD your God, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ [18] And now, behold, Adonijah is king, although you, my lord the king, do not know it. [19] He has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army, but Solomon your servant he has not invited. [20] And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. [21] Otherwise it will come to pass, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be counted offenders.”
[22] While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. [23] And they told the king, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed before the king, with his face to the ground. [24] And Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? [25] For he has gone down this day and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ [26] But me, your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he has not invited. [27] Has this thing been brought about by my lord the king and you have not told your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”
[28] Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. [29] And the king swore, saying, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, [30] as I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.” [31] Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and paid homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
[32] King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. [33] And the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. [34] And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ [35] You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” [36] And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, say so. [37] As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”
[38] So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon. [39] There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” [40] And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise.
[41] Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “What does this uproar in the city mean?” [42] While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.” [43] Jonathan answered Adonijah, “No, for our lord King David has made Solomon king, [44] and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they had him ride on the king’s mule. [45] And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. [46] Solomon sits on the royal throne. [47] Moreover, the king’s servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than yours, and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed. [48] And the king also said, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.'”
[49] Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. [50] And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. [51] Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.'” [52] And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” [53] So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”
RELATED SCRIPTURES
(Psalm 118:6 ESV)
[6] The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
(Isaiah 14:24 ESV)
[24] The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand,
(Isaiah 46:8–10 ESV)
[8] “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, [9] remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
Questions for Reflection
- What are you afraid God might ask you to do? Why?
- What would need to happen for you to overcome your fear?
God, the story of Adonijah is thousands of years old, but it seems like it could be today’s politics. Your Word tells us that raise up kings and you put them down. I can’t always understand the reasons for how you move, but I will accept that you alone determine the outcome. Fill me with certain knowledge of your love and cast out any fear. Let me go boldly in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Watch for other Personal Worship pushes!
- Friday you’ll receive Worship Prep guidance and Sunday’s songs. Take time to learn those you don’t know so that you can join in worship in full voice!