We’ll close out Rehoboam’s reign in this reading. Apparently, we’ve been spared the gory details of the ongoing war between the kingdoms of Rehoboam and Jeroboam. If we were expecting a historical study, we’re finding the First Book of Kings gives us only a glimpse into that moment in history. More emphasis, at least to this point, has been on allegiance to God (or lack thereof).
Who or what is getting the people’s attention? Sadly, it’s not God. Rehoboam leadership was not reliant on God, and the people followed their leader. “During Rehoboam’s reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, provoking his anger with their sin, for it was even worse than that of their ancestors.”
What could we have expected from Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Despite having had a good role model for a father and great wisdom given by God, Solomon’s allegiance was not focused on God, at least for much of his life. That’s what Rehoboam learned. He didn’t have the wisdom of his father as an asset, so he took the people further and further away from God.
Rehoboam’s counterpart in the north leading the rest of the Israelites was not doing much better. We heard of Jeroboam’s fate in our last reading. Such a bleak point in history of the Israelite nation! God’s people were being distracted by many other gods and idols. Their sin was keeping them separated from God.
Look at the events in the news these days. What do we see happening in our world today? We’re hard pressed to find any obedient people listening for God and following God’s leadership. While it might not be pagan religions enticing us away from God, there are plenty of other distractions and temptations blinding us from seeing the truth.
What are you doing about it in your own life?
For me, I see this as a pivotal time that requires us to surround ourselves with other believers. We need to unite and stand strong against the enemy. Satan is quietly infiltrating the hearts of many who may even call themselves Christians. We’ve seen how God can use anyone for his purposes, and it appears that Satan can snatch us when we’re weak.
We have the power of the Holy Spirit at our disposal. That is a comforting thought. Why do we forget and attempt to live our lives “on our own power?” It would seem that we are opening ourselves up to temptation.
Take time to pray for God’s leading today.
Let’s pray …
Lord, you know my heart. Forgive me for those times when I have gone in my own direction. Help me to stand strong and be faithful to you. Give me the strength to overcome temptation and see the truth in all situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
