Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

BOW DOWN

December 17, 2009

Bow Down

To bow down before another person, literally, in our Western culture is all but unheard of. Yet, it is a posture of significance, even for disciples today..

Solomon replied, "If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die." Then King Solomon sent men, and they brought him down from the altar. And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, "Go to your home."

- 1 Kings 1:52,53 TNIV

As David nears death, his sons vie for the title of "king." David finally anoints Solomon to be the next king, which puts Adonijah on the run for defying his father's will. Adonijah flees to a "safe place," the horns of the altar. But to make peace, Solomon promises his brother, Adonijah, that if he brings no mischief, no evil, he will be safe. Adonijah agrees. To demonstrate his agreement and promise, Adonijah bows down before Solomon. For the time being, at least, the civil war is avoided.

What strikes me as huge in this story is the bowing down. We are a people trained NOT to bow down to anybody. Yet we profess Christ as Lord. It seems clear to me that to say, "Christ is Lord," is to bow down before him, and promise, "There will be no civil war with you, Lord."
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson