“And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.”– 1 Kings 1:52

Here Solomon forgives Adonijah for what he had done (making himself the king to replace David while David was still alive and did not enthrone him as his successor– 1 Kgs. 1:5-10) but warns that he must prove himself to be a worthy man in order to avoid death the next time.

This is exactly what Jesus did – He forgave our sins and spared our lives; while we were yet sinners, He died for us – Romans 5:8. Now He warns us to go and sin no more, as in the case of the woman found in adultery – John 8:11

Because “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Rom. 6:23

Not only did Adonijah need to be a man, but Solomon himself needed to prove himself a real man, as said to him by his father David (2:2). He explained that the way to prove yourself to be a man is to “Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go” – 1 Kg. 2:3.

Jesus, the promised King who reigns forever is looking for worthy men, and the way to be a worthy man, i.e. the true son of your father God, is to do His will. Jesus said, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” – John 8:29. KJB

A worthy man: 1 Kings 2:4-34

A worthy man will enjoy good reign – vs.4
A worthy man does not enjoy or spare wickedness – vs. 5-9
A worthy man receives instructions from elders – vs. 5-9
For a worthy man, his throne / legacy is established forever. Anyone who proves himself worthy in Christ will reign with him in a government that has no end – vs. 12. “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” – Isa. 9:7 KJB
A worthy man restrains himself from repeat offenses, otherwise ends up perishing – vs. 19-25 (Adonijah)       &         Shimei in vs. 36-46.
A worthy man is considerate – vs. 26-27
Jesus will judge everyone according to their works – vs. 28-34. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” – Rev. 22:12

Jesus is looking for a man who will do His will. Are you the man? Can you reign with Him? You know, he can help you. You are currently enjoying His second chance, don’t blow it. Adonijah, Joab and Shemei were given second chances to prove themselves, but they continued in trespasses and were eventually destroyed. Their death did not occur because Solomon was not considerate but because they decided to continue in wickedness. Turn today and enjoy the second chance God is giving you through Jesus Christ. In Christ, you have another chance of making it in life – both here on earth on there in heaven.

Turn and live, you must not die (Ezek. 33:11). Be a worthy man.