1 Kings 12:16-21
In the 1860’s our country plunged into a civil war that tore the country in two. The cause of this split was slavery, the ungodly practice of owning and exploiting people for a workforce. This war causes an estimated 750,000 casualties and destruction of much of the south’s economy. This split caused a generation of young men to be slaughtered on the battlefields because of an immoral practice. King Solomon, being led by his foreign wives, led the twelve tribes of Israel away from the worship of God to the hideous worship of foreign gods. This idol worship to several different false gods would include many immoral practices. King Solomon refused to repent, tear down the idols and turn back to God. This caused God to raise up Jeroboam in opposition to King Solomon. After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam was gathering with all of Israel to be made king. Jeroboam arrives and challenges Rehoboam’s leadership, asking for less harsh taxes and working conditions. Rehoboam rejects the wise advice of his elders and follows the evil advice of his friends. This lack of wisdom causes the kingdom to be split. The effects of this division would be felt for many generations. Evil would abound on both sides. Kings from both Israel and Judah would follow false gods and lead the people away from God. This split caused wars and generational suffering caused by this rejection of God.
As a husband and father, I have the responsibility to be the spiritual leader in my home. As husband and wife, Debbie and I had the responsibility to teach our boys how to love and worship God. Instill and exemplify godly principles, so they are equipped to live in a way that glorifies God. King Solomon led his family and ultimately the country away from God. His rejection of God’s leadership led to everything in his life being hurt. There are always consequences for rejecting God in our lives. As the civil war was a consequence for not dealing with the disgustingly wicked practice of slavery, so there will be consequences for when I reject God’s wisdom. Sin causes disunity, whether in a family, community or country. The effects can be and often are painful and can be felt for a generation. Poor spiritual leadership from a husband can split a marriage. Poor spiritual leadership from parents can cause disunity in the family. See the trend here? Disunity in a family, church or country is caused by indifference or rejection of God and His commands. As I examine King Solomon, Rehoboam and Jeroboam I see disunity, strife and a cloudy future. In my life, I can learn from this example and draw closer to God. I can give God leadership in my life. Learning God’s Word and using it to lead my life rather than pursuing idols of this world. The idols of ill-gotten pleasure, money, power and the adulation of this world. I will reject these and embrace God’s leadership in my life. Disunity is a real danger that I can protect my life, my family and other believers from. Recognizing the danger is the first step to staying on the right path in my faith journey.
As a husband and father, I have the responsibility to be the spiritual leader in my home. As husband and wife, Debbie and I had the responsibility to teach our boys how to love and worship God. Instill and exemplify godly principles, so they are equipped to live in a way that glorifies God. King Solomon led his family and ultimately the country away from God. His rejection of God’s leadership led to everything in his life being hurt. There are always consequences for rejecting God in our lives. As the civil war was a consequence for not dealing with the disgustingly wicked practice of slavery, so there will be consequences for when I reject God’s wisdom. Sin causes disunity, whether in a family, community or country. The effects can be and often are painful and can be felt for a generation. Poor spiritual leadership from a husband can split a marriage. Poor spiritual leadership from parents can cause disunity in the family. See the trend here? Disunity in a family, church or country is caused by indifference or rejection of God and His commands. As I examine King Solomon, Rehoboam and Jeroboam I see disunity, strife and a cloudy future. In my life, I can learn from this example and draw closer to God. I can give God leadership in my life. Learning God’s Word and using it to lead my life rather than pursuing idols of this world. The idols of ill-gotten pleasure, money, power and the adulation of this world. I will reject these and embrace God’s leadership in my life. Disunity is a real danger that I can protect my life, my family and other believers from. Recognizing the danger is the first step to staying on the right path in my faith journey.
Posted in Devotional