March 31, 2025 - 1 Kings 1-2

David was old and not long for the world.  Adonijah set himself up as king, seeking to usurp the rule of David.  Nathan and Bathsheba went before David to make sure Solomon would ascend to the throne, and David assured them, “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’” (1:30).  After all, had God not sworn to David, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom” (2 Samuel 7:12).  This morning, I am wrestling with the frustration of having our Bali to Manado morning flight cancelled.  We have been put on an afternoon flight arriving in Manado around 7:30pm, which mostly knocks out my plans for our first day in Manado.  That’s Indonesia, right?  As I have thought about it, though, this schedule actually frees us up, maybe, to have lunch on Wednesday with our people on Bali.  Already, I knew we were going to be challenged to get with them at the end of the trip.  So, this new schedule might be even better than what I had planned.  Here’s the thing.  God rules over all, protecting his promise to David and ordering our steps in Indonesia.  How did Solomon put it?  “A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform.

He plants his footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in the dark and hidden mines,

With never-failing skill,

He fashions all his bright designs

And works his sov’reign will.

So God we trust in you.

O God, we trust in you.

When tears are great and comforts few,

We hope in mercies ever new,

We trust in you.   –William Cowper (1774)