Bible Pathways - May 24, 2009

2 Chronicles 10

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Rehoboam becomes king and seeks advice. His first blunder was choosing the irresponsible advisers (10:1-16). The northern tribes revolt (10:16-19). God intervenes (11:2-4). Rehoboam blunders again (12:1-5). Judah repents! Guess what happens (12:7-8,12). Rehoboam dies and his son Abijah is king. Read the amazing account of how he proclaims the Word of God. In return the Lord honors him.

When the son of Solomon, Rehoboam, became king, there is no mention that he began his reign with altar sacrifices and prayer. And it is no surprise to read that he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord (12:14). Forty years earlier his grandfather David had urged Rehoboam's father Solomon to keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His Statutes, and His Commandments (I Kin. 2:3). Nowhere do we read that Solomon urged his son to remain true to the Lord. It is no surprise that Rehoboam had no desire to be faithful to God, nor could he realize how impossible it is to make wise choices unless he prepared his heart to seek the Lord.

The leaders of the nation who met with Rehoboam made a reasonable request that he lower the excessive taxes and lessen the forced labor Solomon had imposed for 30 years.

Rehoboam's first decision as king was an exceedingly foolish blunder but to be expected since it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23). Rehoboam's young, egotistical friends suggested that he let the people know that he was in control and that he would impose much greater burdens. His offensive, inconsiderate declaration led 10 tribes to secede and form the Northern Kingdom. Rehoboam was left with a small fraction of the people that remained faithful.

Rehoboam's problem was that he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. It does not say "to serve the Lord." It was not better service that God expected, but for his heart to seek the Lord. Spiritual principles are the same today — God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6). Rehoboam continued his willful independence from God and forsook the Law of the Lord, and all Israel with him (II Chr. 12:1).

Rehoboam is an example of how pride goeth . . . before a fall (Prov. 16:18). Pride keeps us from being submissive to the will of God just as Satan, whose great sin of pride was to exalt my throne (himself) above the stars of God (Is. 14:13). Each of us is faced almost daily with opportunities to prepare our hearts to serve the Lord. And, oh, how we need to remind ourselves each day of redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16).

Thought for Today:

We should be cautious when seeking advice from others. Make sure to seek godly advisors and, more importantly, make sure that their advice agrees with the Word of God.

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: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Stephen Cohen (TN), Rep. Charlie Dent (PA), and Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO) • Country: Morocco (28.2 million) on the northwestern coast of Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Government very hostile to Christians and missions • 99.75% Muslim (mostly Sunni); .25% Christian (including foreigners); small numbers of Jews and Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for those who forsake or disappoint you (II Tim. 4:16).

Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32