Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him.
1 Kings 1:5
In 1st Kings 1, King David is old, nearing the end of his life, and the question of who will succeed him as king is hanging in the air. Adonijah, one of David’s sons, doesn’t wait for God’s plan or his father’s decision. He decides to take matters into his own hands, declaring himself king. He gathers chariots, horses, and a posse of men to make himself look legit, trying to seize the throne before God’s chosen heir, Solomon, is anointed. Adonijah’s move is bold, but it’s also selfish and reckless – ignoring God’s will for his own ambition.
But don’t we all have a little Adonijah in us? I mean, just look at the world today. Everyone’s chasing their own crown. Social media is full of people building their own kingdoms – curating perfect lives, chasing likes, followers, and clout. And it’s not just online either. At work, in families, even in churches, we see folks pushing to be the center, to call the shots, to be the “king” of their own little world. I’ve caught myself doing this too – wanting control, wanting to be the center of attention, wanting my way, thinking I know better than God’s plan.
Adonijah’s story hits home with me. And it hits hard because it shows what happens when we crown ourselves instead of bowing to Jesus, our true King. Adonijah was doing more than attempting to steal the throne… he was rejecting God’s authority. We do the same when we let our selfish hearts call the shots – choosing our own desires over trusting Jesus to lead. We grab for a crown that doesn’t belong to us.
The reality is that only Jesus is worthy to be King. He’s the one who laid down His life for us, who rules with justice and love. Adonijah’s power grab failed because it wasn’t God’s plan. Our self-made kingdoms will crumble too. But when we surrender our “crowns” and trust Jesus, we find peace, purpose, and security in a King – a true Savior – who’s way better than we could ever be.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to be king of my own life. I don’t want to chase my own crown anymore. Help me surrender to You, Jesus, my true King. Show me how to trust Your plan and live for You, not myself. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 