Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12-22, 2 Chronicles 1-20
King Solomon ruled over all of Israel for 40 years. His son, Rehoboam, foolishly followed the advice of his young friends. He spoke harshly to the people, refusing to listen to the leaders of the tribes of Israel. But leading with arrogance backfired, and the people of Israel walked away from their king, leaving Rehoboam with only the towns of Judah to rule.
The rest of Israel chose Jeroboam to be their next king. Jeroboam had the audacity to give two man-made idols credit for all that God had done for the Israelites. He tried to rewrite history and override God’s truth. He built shrines on high places, and he installed priests who were not Levites. Once more, the people of Israel walked away from God, choosing false gods over the one true God.
The position of king was an honored seat of authority. Jeroboam could have placed his trust in God, showing humility for this opportunity to reign as king, but instead he chose to create a new religion, new places of worship, and a new festival. He chased after the next shiny thing instead of following God.
HE WORKED HARD TO KEEP THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE ON HIM RATHER THAN FOCUSED ON GOD.
What false god is the church chasing after today because it is easier than doing it God’s way? Are we so caught up in trying to outdo other churches or leaders that we have lost sight of God’s calling? Are we watering down the gospel and redefining righteousness in order to please others?
A feud between Jeroboam and Rehoboam continued. There was constant war between Judah and Israel (14:30). They both led God’s people in the worship of false gods, they both died, and they were both succeeded by their sons. Their reigns were marked by complete disregard of God and all He had commanded of His people. They were given the privilege of sitting in the top leadership position, but they were too focused on the temporary pleasures of this world to invest in the things that are eternal.
If God created you to do something and He has in mind for you to be something, then why are you doing your own thing and why are you pretending to be someone else? Why are you living in your own confidence when God has strategically positioned you to do amazing things by His power and with His favor? You have been given an opportunity and you are wasting it.
WHY ARE YOU SETTLING FOR A CHEAP IMITATION OF THE LIFE GOD PLANNED FOR YOU?
When we choose to live our lives our own way, seeking our own happiness rather than bringing glory to God, we miss out on God’s best. We become a cheap imitation of what life could have been. Eventually we will die and life will go on without us, and we will have missed our opportunity to write an amazing chapter in God’s story.
Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger was turned away, and he did not destroy him completely. There were still some good things in the land of Judah. – 2 Chronicles 12:12
It is not too late. We serve a God of grace and mercy. He has given us the Spirit to guide us back onto the path He planned for us. God loves a repentant heart who is willing to humble themselves and make retribution for the actions of the past.
“Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.” – 2 Chronicles 19:11b
Jeroboam reigned over Israel for twenty-two years, and then he died. His son, Nadab, followed him as King of Israel. Rehoboam reigned over Judah for seventeen years. He was buried with his ancestors — David and Solomon — and his son, Abijam, became the next king of Judah. And life went on.
Next came Abijah, Asa, and then Jehoshaphat reigned as king of Judah. Jehoshaphat had seasons of leading the people of Judah in the worship of the Lord Almighty, but he remained soft in areas that God had clearly defined as sin. He was permissive in allowing the people to do what they wanted to do — to worship false gods. And since the king was not fully obedient to God’s instructions, the people never fully devoted themselves to God. The weakness of his stance against sin left the door open for God’s people to focus their lives on what THEY wanted to do rather than on how God required them to live, and soon he, too, was pursuing a life apart from God’s plan.
WEAKENING OUR STANCE AGAINST SIN CAN LEAD TO THE PURSUIT OF A LIFE APART FROM GOD.
Stepping outside of God’s plan is never a good idea; living to please ourselves instead of pleasing God is defiance. We serve a God of mercy, but that does not mean He is permissive; we serve a God of grace, but that is not the same as tolerance. We may desire to be a merciful people to those who are living in sin, but we can show God’s mercy without redefining what is right and what is wrong.
Mercy is defined as compassion and forgiveness, but it should not lead to the acceptance of a view that is contrary to what is biblical. We can have pity on those who are hurting without celebrating their sin. In love, we should guide others onto the path God has for them; in love, we should encourage others to fully surrender themselves to God.
We serve a good God! He loves us and wants what is best for us. He is a righteous God and He clothes us in His righteousness for our own happiness and for His glory. The boundaries He has created are for our own benefit and evidence of His unfailing love for us. His mercy rescues us from our sin; it does not create an allowance for sin.
TO REDEFINE SIN IS NOT MERCY; TO WEAKEN OUR STANCE IS NOT COMPASSION.
Father God, give us spiritual eyes to see your perspective on what is going on in the world around us. Give us a voice that reflects your heart, leading with courage and integrity. May our hearts be undivided — loyal to you and obedient to your instructions. May we never lead from our own wisdom, but daily seek wisdom from you. Help us to lead with the love of Christ, while not allowing our compassion on others to redefine the life you have called us to live. May we be known for our integrity, faithfulness and courage, while still being known for our respect, compassion and love. Amen.