S) " 26 Jeroboam said in his heart, 'Now the kingdom will return to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will return to their lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.' 28 So the king consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to them, 'It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.'"
1 Kings 12:26-28 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 12
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 12
O) So here's a little recap: Jeroboam was told that ten tribes would be taken from Rehoboam because of the idolatry of Solomon. He was told that he would be made king over those ten separated tribes. Then it actually happens, just as the prophet told him. Then he proceeds to create idols to specifically keep the people from returning to Jerusalem and worshiping the LORD... Not only is this the epitome of wickedness, in that he was not only idolatrous himself but leading others astray intentionally, but this must also be the height of foolishness! This is a great reminder that the Bible is full of stories of terrible people, terrible leaders, doing abominable things, because the Bible is true. The Bible has lots of examples of what not to do, by wicked and righteous people alike.
A) When I read stories like this, it's easy for me to look down my nose and wonder how stupid other people can be. But, when I am humble and determined to be teachable, and I read a story like this, I am a lot closer to say, "I get it." Fear makes people do stupid things all the time. Greed makes people do stupid things all the time. When you combine the two, there are disastrous consequences. Rehoboam was afraid for his life, and he was greedy to hold onto his newfound kingship, and he made a horrible mistake. This is just one more reason for me to heed the words of Christ, choosing to lose my life to Him. This is just one more reason for me to heed the words of Christ, choosing to forsake the approval of others and the authority of men. Even still, it's not enough for me to not lead others astray. Even if Rehoboam was the only person to ever worship those two calves, that still would have been enough for him to lose all he had. This is why I must continually choose to place Christ as the center of my worship, the only focus for my devotion.
P) Father, You are holy and just. You are a righteous and true judge. I know that You have extended grace to me, all through my life until this very moment. I also know that, even if I don't see the return of Christ on this side of the grave, I will still stand in judgment sooner than I know. So Lord, I want to subject myself to Your judgment, to Your discipline, even now. Help me to rightly judge myself, that I would clearly see my sins and repent. Please forgive me for pride, greed, and fearing for my life. Please forgive me for the idolatry that creeps up in my heart. Please continue to discipline me, as I seek to worship You more and more faithfully each day. I love You, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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