"They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day. Then they acknowledged Solomon son of David as king a second time, anointing him before the Lord to be ruler and Zadok to be priest. So Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king in place of his father David. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him. All the officers and warriors, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their submission to King Solomon."

1 Chronicles 29:22-24

All along, the chronicler had been concerned to focus on the fact that Israel’s king ruled under God. Here, Solomon was anointed ‘before the Lord’ and ‘sat on the throne of the Lord’ (vv. 22, 23). Remember what David has just prayed in verse 11: ‘Yours, Lord, is the kingdom.’ It is God’s throne. He is the High King over all. That truth hadn’t changed several centuries later. Even in the chronicler’s time, when God’s people seemed of small account, their God still reigned.

Do we sometimes forget that when we look at the news? Perhaps this truth—that God still reigns supreme in his world—is the most important thing we can take away with us from these readings. Whatever is happening, however grim things may seem, either internationally, nationally, or in our personal lives, we can hold onto the fact that God is working his purpose out. One day our King will come back and claim his own. I am eagerly awaiting that day!

Closing Prayer

As I wait for your return, Lord Jesus, whatever the circumstances, help me to remember who I am in you. Help me live victoriously because the battle over sin is already won; you reign—now and forever (edited from Encounter with God).