Wed.’s Devo - Passing the Torch

Read: 1 Kings 2:1-3:3; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25
David was knew he was about to die and called Solomon in to do the things he left undone. He was passing his torch to Solomon to continue his mantle. David had completed everything he was to do and the next steps were for Solomon to complete. He had completed his job for his generation which is evident in the 40 years he reigned. Forty is the number of a generation. He reigned seven years in Hebron which means he completed his reign. He reigned 33 years in Jerusalem which was the age of Jesus when he died. David, as a type of Jesus had finished his course. He was turning over a kingdom to Solomon that was safe and secure from enemies. Solomon would be able to do what he was called to do. David was a warrior king and Solomon was a king of peace. David had paved the way for Solomon to build and establish the house of God on earth. We are right at this place in the timing of the Lord. We are transitioning from a time of great upheaval and spiritual warfare to a place of rest. Solomon still had people to bring to justice, but he did it from a place of rest. This is what God is calling us to - warfare from a state of rest. It is the assurance of who God is and that nothing is impossible; unmeasurable faith. It says that when Solomon sat upon David’s throne that his kingdom was greatly established.
As soon as Solomon had his kingdom, his adversary came to him and tried to trick him into an alliance. Adonijah asked for
Abishag, who was the young woman who was chosen to lay with David in his last days and keep him warm. This was a strategic move to get his foot in the door of Solomon’s government. Solomon discerned its wickedness and had him put to death. Solomon also sent away Abiathar, the priest that was from the house of Eli. Joab, the army commander who had murdered Abner and Amasa for killing his brother was also dealt with. Then, Solomon set his men in their places of authority. He had to “drain the swamp” first.
He made peace with his enemy, Egypt, and married the Pharaoh’s daughter. He build his house, God’s house, and the wall around Jerusalem. This is the order in which we do it. We build our own house first. We establish God’s kingdom in our hearts. Then we build the Lord’s house; we start living for the kingdom. Next we establish our borders with a wall of protection against our enemies.
In Acts, we see the judgment of God on Ananias and Sapphire. When God’s spirit starts moving in power, the fear of God falls on the people. Ananias and Sapphire did not fear God and he fell on them in judgment.
This caused a disturbance in the demonic kingdom and they attacked Peter. God was using Peter in power and demonstration and Satan filled the leaders of his religious order carry out his assignment. They had Peter thrown into the common prison. God trumped him and set them free that night and told them to go to the temple and preach! They found the prison still locked and secure. What does the religious system do with miracles? They don’t know what to do with them so they try to control them.
Lord, we give your Holy Spirit the room and authority to rule in our lives.