Bible Studies

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STONE OF STUMBLING
1 Kings 1-2

The first words that open the final chapter of this season in David’s life lead me to remind myself how easily I fall upon human understanding. David was cold, his body running down...wearing out. Blood needed to run hot within his veins to restore even a measure of warmth where coldness lay. David was king, and everything he could possibly want or possibly need that wealth or position or power might provide lay less than a wish away. But where lay wisdom?

Was it looking at David’s own lack throughout Solomon’s young life that would later prompt him to plead for wisdom from God’s throne if he were to wear the crown? If he were to lead the people?

Desire’s dance, even within innocence, breeds disaster in a heart, in a people lacking wisdom. The king’s bed lay already full. Wives, concubines, ready bodies filled with warmth to supply David’s lack.

But an ear tuned to human counsel forgets it’s only from the mind of God life flows. Human wisdom, flesh-bound understanding, though looking life’s twin, is really death disguised. And once again death’s taste will fill a palette designed for Grace’s table.

When danger ran rampant, when temporal enemies stood boldly on earthen sod knowing Abraham’s steps of promise, David’s inquiries assailed heaven’s door. The danger wasn’t past now, the true enemy lay in wait watching through Adonijah’s eyes, but God’s armor hung in armories rather than upon the ones needing it above all else. And one more stone of stumbling fell.



Almighty God, only Rock of my Salvation, Wisdom Incarnate looking for my heart ... how the mighty fall when their own understanding sits upon a throne belonging to Wisdom alone. Forgive the many times my own ways displaced grace. Let my ear hearken only to Your voice. When human counsel becomes my food, let its taste quickly turn to ash before it even leaves my tongue. Before it can feed my soul, stir my hunger for Your heart, for the taste of nectar true. Keep me safe from one more stone of stumbling that others might find Your grace in me.



© 26 April 2005
DeAnna L. Brooks

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