Way back in 2012 many thought Mitt Romney was the “perfect” presidential candidate; a nice, polite, mild mannered moderate. But he lost the presidential election in 2012, partially because he was too polite to get tough on his opponent in the debates and hit back when attacked personally. Four years later Mitt realized his time had passed and decided not to try again. Wisely so, since Donald Trump took the political world by storm and won, partially due to his willingness to go after his opponents when they went after him. He was not too polite to hit back. It seemed as if Americans wanted Mr. Rogers as their neighbor, but not as president.

One man who clearly didn’t realize his time had passed was David’s son Adonijah. His attempt to declare himself king failed when David gave the throne to Solomon and his crowning party fell flatter than Romney’s November 2012 “victory” celebration (1 Kings 1:49). Adonijah fled to the temple and begged for mercy from Solomon, who granted it on the condition he acted like Mr. Rodgers. “If he will be a worthy man, not one of his hairs will fall to the ground; but if wickedness is found in him, he will die. (1 Kings 1:52).

Like Romney, his time had passed but, unlike Romney, he couldn’t let it go. Shortly after David’s death and Solomon’s more formal coronation Adonijah gave in to the itch for power and asked to marry one of David’s widows. He foolishly thought it would position him as David’s “real” successor and give him power as an opponent and potential rival of Solomon. He attempted to manipulate Solomon by sending the request through Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba. However, mild mannered Solomon recognized it for what it was, a bold power grab, and showed his willingness to strike back by having Adonijah executed (1 Kings 2:13-25).

What’s the lesson for us? Well, it has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with our daily life. Every decision to sin is an attempt to seize power from God. He is not fooled and we will answer for it. Maybe not today or tomorrow, or even in this lifetime, but God’s authority as King will be vindicated at judgment. If only Adonijah had kept the heart that threw him on the altar begging for mercy. And we must keep the heart that sought God’s mercy when we submitted to Him in baptism, and remember that our time as ruler has passed.