1 Kings 1:1-27

"About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, 'I will make myself king.' So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him. Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, 'Why are you doing that?' Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome." v.5-6
God fearing people like David and Samuel were used by God to lead nations; nevertheless they had problems in family relationships. God-fearing leaders cannot take for granted the spiritual well being of their children. They are used to having others follow their orders, but they cannot expect their children to manufacture faith upon request. Moral and and spiritual character takes years to build, and it requires constant attention and patient discipline.

Adonijah decided to seize the throne without David's knowledge. He knew that Solomon, not he was Davids first choice to be the next king. This is why he didn't invite Solomon or David's royal advisers when he declared himself king. Thankfully his deceptive plans to gain the throne were interrupted by the prophet Nathan.

When Nathan learned of Adonijahs conspiracy, he immediately tried to stop it. He was a man of both faith and action. He knew that Solomon should rightly be king, and he moved quickly when he saw someone else trying to take the throne. We often know what is right but don't act on it. Perhaps we don;t want to get involved, or maybe we are fearful or lazy. Don't stop with prayer, good intentions, or angry feelings. Take the action needed to correct the situation. Be a Nathan!

David served God well as king, but as a parent he often failed both God and his children. Don't let your service to God, even in leadership posstions, take up so much of your time and energy that you neglect your other God-given responsibilities.