Friday
1 and 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles will now follow the lines of both kingdoms. Many times it gets confusing as we read about the different kings and kingdoms, but I hope that I can help keep the stories straight for you.
Today, I want to talk about Rehoboam of the southern kingdom. The first thing Rehoboam, who is Solomon’s son, does wrong was to listen to bad advice. He went to the elders and ignored their advice, and then he went and consulted some of his peers. They told him to oppress the people even more than his father had. Well, this advice backfired on Rehoboam, the people rebelled and Israel became divided. (All of this happened to fulfill the prophecy of Ahijah, when he spoke to Jeroboam about Solomon’s kingdom. [1 Kings 11:29-32])
So, what did Rehoboam do wrong? First he didn’t listen to the advice of people who had more experience and understanding of what it takes to rule a nation and secondly you’ll notice, God was never consulted. When you need advice on something, pay attention to this. Seeking advice from your friends who are no better off than you, is just plain dumb. And leaving God out of your decision making is even dumber. Look where it got Rehoboam.
Do you have a big decision to make? Trust in God. Turn first to Him. Ask for what He wants you to do. Read His Word, and then if the answer is not clear, seek out wise Christian men and women to help. Weigh their advice with what you feel God is telling you. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you by quieting your mind and heart. “Be still,” Psalm 46:10 tells us, “And know that I am God.”
Listening for the Word of God
Pastor Kathy