The first thing Solomon does as he takes the throne is to deal with the rebellion that began in David’s time. It’s a brutal read for us today as we see the ringleaders of Adonijah’s rebellion executed and severely punished. Yet this clearing of the ground is the foundation of the peace and security of Solomon’s reign, and the writer of Kings is unapologetic - those who oppose God must face the consequences.

In our own lives, too, there will be things that oppose God, and our dealings with these things must be no less severe. Jesus was uncompromising on this subject, saying, “If your hand or foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.” (Matthew 18:8).

As Christians, our enemies are not other people. Our struggle is against “the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12), and against our “old self” (Eph 4:22) which is corrupted and full of deceitful desires.

This is a struggle that continues after the moment of our salvation, as Paul makes clear in his letter to the Ephesians. It takes commitment and perseverance but if we allow these enemies of God’s will and purpose to continue to stay in our lives then we are robbing ourselves of the peace, security and blessings that we would experience without them.

Today is a good day to ask the Lord to reveal the obstacles that are in your way. Do not delay in clearing the ground so that the Lord can reign sovereign in your life.

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH