Read 2 Chronicles 10
Highlights:
Rehoboam succeeds Solomon as king; revolt of Ten Tribes of Israel; Jeroboam becomes king over Northern Israel; death of Rehoboam and Jeroboam.
And King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? (II Chr. 10:6).
When Rehoboam became king, the united kingdom still held its great influence in the world, but there is no mention of Rehoboam's beginning his reign with altar sacrifices and prayer for the divine wisdom, nor do we read that Rehoboam was anointed of the Lord. Therefore, it is not surprising to read that he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord (12:14).
Where was the spiritual influence that existed forty years earlier when Solomon began to reign? Nowhere do we find Solomon admonishing his son to remain true to the Lord as David, his father, had done for him. Where were the Nathans or priests who were prominent in David's reign? It is evident that the advice of the prophets and spiritual advisors was no longer wanted. It is amazing how the fate of a nation can run side by side with that of individuals. To a great extent this is what happened in this situation. David, though he made mistakes, had a heart that loved God. He had a heart that was repentant of his wrongdoings. His heart had a desire to be a man with whom God would be pleased. He passed on those virtues to his son, Solomon and challenged him to walk in God's ways.
Solomon, however, went his own way. At first, he trusted in God, but as his wealth and power grew, Solomon gradually turned away from God and satisfied himself with worldly gain. This he passed to his children including his son, Rehoboam. Instead of giving him godly direction, Solomon's own example led his son to follow in his father's waywardness.
How empty it all sounds to read that Rehoboam, the shepherd of the people of God, took counsel . . . with . . . men . . . saying, What counsel give ye me . . . ? (10:6). Without God, the most clever strategy of the wisest counselors is worthless. The Bible says: Be wise . . . ye kings . . . Serve the Lord with fear . . . lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way (Ps. 2:10-12). All our plans, no matter how well laid out, are as nothing without the hand of God on them. This is why we should consult the Word of God in all our decisions. For it is in His Word, that we find power (Eph. 6:17).
Except the Lord build the House, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (Ps. 127:1).
Thought for Today:
It is not our words, but our life that reveals what is in our hearts.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) (II Chr. 13:11). Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5).
Word Studies:
10:4 yoke grievous, heavy, severe burdens; 10:10 loins, waist; 11:12 every several, each separate.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO), Rep. Charlie W. Dent (PA) and Rep. Steve Cohen (TN) • Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy (Num. 12:11-14).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 6:1