S) "33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha the son of Ahijah became king over all Israel at Tirzah, and reigned twenty-four years. 34 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin which he made Israel sin."
1 Kings 15:33-34 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 15
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 15
O) Before Jeroboam had first ascended the throne of Israel, he was told by a prophet it would be, because of the idolatry of Solomon. Immediately after his coronation, he deliberately led the kingdom of Israel into idolatry, so they would not return to the LORD at Jerusalem with Judah. Because of that, the same prophet came back to Jeroboam and gave him the sorry news that his throne would not be established as David's was, and that the kingdom would be stripped from his family. So, shortly after Jeroboam's son (Nadab) ascended the throne, Baasha took the throne by force. Even though all of the idolatry had wrecked havoc on the previous kings, the new regime was just like the old regime, doing evil in God's sight, walking in the way of Jeroboam, causing the nation to sin.
A) This is an election year in the U.S., and political campaigning is in full swing. I see people post things on social media, praising their favorite candidate or tearing down their most despised candidate. When I read this passage about the succession that took place in Israel, I was reminded of something definite: it really doesn't matter who is reigning, if the person is not fully submitted to Jesus Christ as Lord. Even in the most ideal circumstance, a candidate is still human and can only do so much in a republic full of more men like Baasha than like David. So, I'll still vote this Fall. I'll hope and pray that I can do well in this country, regardless of politics. I won't be swayed by the leadership of any man in office. I am determined to follow Jesus Christ myself, because He is my One and rightful King.
P) Father, You are great and mighty to be praised. You are holy and sovereign, righteous and mighty. Let Your will be done in my country as it is in heaven. I determine to put no hope in my government, because I know that it can never do what You will do. You are perfectly just, mighty to save, full of compassion and mercy, righteous in every way. Be glorified in my life, regardless of who leads my country. I am a citizen of Your kingdom first and above all else. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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