The Godly Path of Promotion
ICS Daily Devotions
Psalm 75:6-7 (NKJV) For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.
There is much to be learnt from Adonijah and Absalom. They were both sons of King David, who rebelled against their father in attempts to seize the throne of Israel. Both declared themselves kings without King David’s blessing. It was a coup against the king and their father.
God is omniscient, knowing the hearts of men. Adonijah exalted himself; he was rebellious, presumptuous, and full of ambition. When David grew old and weak, he showed his rebelliousness by saying, “I will be king” (1 Kings 1:5). He gathered chariots, horsemen, and influential supporters (including Joab, who was King David’s general, and Abiathar the priest) to make himself king without David’s consent. Later, after King Solomon ascended to the throne, Adonijah tried again to gain power by asking to marry Abishag, David’s former companion—a political move that implied a claim to the throne.
Both Absalom and Adonijah craved power and recognition rather than relationships and trust. They embodied what some would call an “orphan spirit”— a mindset that seeks to prove their worth instead of resting in the father’s love and timing. King David probably neglected them both because they were born to different mothers. As a result, they felt like orphans growing up, despite having a father, seeking his attention. Their family was dysfunctional. Insecurity, rejection, and an “orphan spirit” can drive people to act irrationally.
The people of the Old Testament were not born again. Neither Adonijah nor Absalom had a relationship with God like their father, King David, who was known as a man after God’s own heart. Because sin leads to self-centredness, they were full of themselves and rebellious. They sought attention and validation from others and longed for kingship, promoting themselves to the throne through their own efforts. They showed no regard for God, His calling on their lives, or the values their father promoted. Both of their lives ended tragically—Absalom was caught in a tree and hanged, while King Solomon executed Adonijah.
We can support those whom God has appointed to leadership, but what matters most is obedience and faithfulness to the work God has entrusted to us. We are the body of Christ, with Christ as the head of the church. God does not reward us based on our leadership positions. Instead, He will judge us on whether we have completed the work with the right attitude, right motive, and faithfulness in the small things.
As believers in the New Testament, we are blessed with the full counsel of God’s Word. The opening Scripture tells us that promotion does not come from the East or the West, but from the Lord’s plan for our lives. Our gifts, talents, and good attitude will pave the way for our promotion because promotion originates from the Lord. We are confident in His plan for our lives and will not create strife to attain promotion prematurely because we are convinced that it is in God’s hands. Godliness with contentment is a great gain.
Sermon Series: Walk into your Calling
