Bible Pathways 04/26/2003

April 26

Read I Kings 12 -- 13

In Today's Reading:

Solomon's death; ten tribes revolt; Jeroboam rebuked by an unnamed prophet; death of the disobedient prophet

King Solomon was buried in the city of his father David (I Kings 11:43). His son Rehoboam inherited power and a treasury full of wealth. However, Solomon left the kingdom morally and spiritually bankrupt.

Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and spoke with Rehoboam, and said: Your father made our yoke burdensome. . . . lighten . . . the heavy yoke that he put on us, and we will serve you (12:3-4). King Rehoboam consulted with the elders . . . He said: How do you advise me. Then they spoke to him, saying, If today you . . . respond . . . by speaking good words to them, then they will be your servants forever. But he rejected the advice of the elders who had advised him, and he consulted with the young men who had grown up with him, who served him (12:6-8).

Note that Rehoboam said to the wise old men: How do you advise? But, he said to his newly-appointed cabinet of young friends: What message do you advise we send back to this people who spoke to me saying, Lighten the yoke that your father put on us? (12:9). Taking the young men's counsel, Rehoboam foolishly threatened the nation with additional taxes and even more cruel treatment. This blunder caused the people to rebel and declare a new king: So Israel . . . . made him (Jeroboam) king (12:19-20).

Jeroboam provided his new northern kingdom with two more convenient places of worship located at Bethel in the south and Dan in the north. This violated the word of God that clearly commanded that all worship sacrifices must be conducted at the temple in Jerusalem. The L ord. . . . will give Israel up because of Jeroboam's sins that he committed and that he caused Israel to commit (14:15-16).

A similar departure from the fundamental doctrines of the word of God is prevalent today. Pitiful as this is, some people neglect to read His word and simply do not know the difference between God's truth and man's deceptions or political correctness. Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravaging wolves. . . . Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father in heaven (Matthew 7:15,21).

Christ Portrayed:

ThroughShemaiah who spoke for the Lord (I Kings 12:22). Jesus spoke only what the Father told Him.I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father (John 15:15).For I have not spoken on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a command as to what I should say and what I should speak(12:49).

Prayer Needs:

Country: Australia (19 million) an island continent between the Indian and Pacific Oceans · Major languages: English and native languages · Religious freedom · 40% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 3% Orthodox; 2% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray and call upon the Lord with assurance that He will answer if you pray with a godly spirit free from sin (Isaiah 58:9-11).

Optional Reading: Acts 27

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:165