1 Kings 1

“Then Nathan said to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, ‘Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king and our Lord David does not know it? Now please come and let me advise you. Save your life and the life of your son Solomon.’” 1 Kings 1:11-12 (HCSB)

Big trouble in Israel. Adonijah, Absalom’s younger brother, is making his run for the kingdom. He has everything a king needs: ambition, style, image, position, and both military and religious support. Oh, but he lacks two things: David’s blessing and the Lord’s anointing. In the words of American Express, “Don’t leave home without it!”

1st and 2nd Kings begin by showing the kingdom of Israel in a somewhat depressing light. Then, things get worse. Throughout today’s chapter, there is a lot of dialogue and speeches, but the Lord is almost silent. Oh, God is working, but we don’t see or hear Him. It reminds me of a coming day that Jesus spoke of:

“Then He told the disciples: ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it.’” Luke 17:22 (HCSB)

The savior of the day, so to speak, is Nathan, the Prophet. He is the only non-royal in the drama, and perhaps, not having a “chip on the table” makes him the most sensible counselor.

Nathan learns of what is going on (down at Abijah’s party) and decides something needs to be done to alert the King about the state of affairs, which happens to be “affairs” of the state. (I love a good pun.) Nathan’s role in this story is crucial! Looking at the whole scene, everything rests on Nathan. He not only intervened but also had a plan to stir David to action. Nathan was the man who stood in the gap – his vigilance got David off his couch (virgin hits the floor with a ‘thud!’) and protected Bathsheba and Solomon from almost certain death. Nathan makes the difference and saves the kingdom.

Isn’t it interesting how big of an impact a Kingdom-minded, Bible-centric servant of God can make? Apart from being Kingdom-minded, Bible-centric, and servant-minded, all we need (to be competent counselors) is to recognize that this World is not our home! When we don’t have a stake in some Worldly “kingdom,” isn’t it amazing how clearly we can see God’s direction? And how selflessly and effectively we can influence our surroundings for the Kingdom of God!