Wednesday, 13^th September 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: KING-SIZE ERROR: REHOBOAM’S WEAKNESS

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess.” – 1 Kings 14:21

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What kind of king was Rehoboam during his reign?

 

Whiles Jeroboam and Israel were dabbling in idolatry, Rehoboam and Judah were also building high places, images, and groves on every high hill and under every green tree (1 Kings 14:23). Sodomy also became prevalent in the land (1 Kings 14: 24). Under Rehoboam's leadership, the southern kingdom did evil in the sight of the Lord their God (1 Kings 14:22).

From the first day Rehoboam became king, he began to demonstrate weak leadership and this continued.

Under his watch, the kingdom of Israel was divided into North and South (1 Kings 12:16) because he refused sound counsel from the elders in his court (1 Kings 12:8). Rather, he sought advice from friends he grew up with when the elders of the tribes of Israel made an appealed to him. These young men gave him foolish counsel and it sounded great to him (1 Kings 12:10-11). Truly, he acted on the foolish advice and it turned out to be an expensive move he made.

Precious one, weak people have the tendency to be abusive, harsh and power hungry. But gentleness is a strength.

Therefore, David professed, “Thy gentleness has made me great” (2 Sam 22:36). Rehoboam was weak—the kind that feels good when others suffer under his leadership. Hence, Rehoboam responded roughly to the request of the elders of the tribes of Israel (1 Kings 12:13). He also said to them, “My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions” (1 Kings 12:14). He sought to put fear in his people but rather they abandoned his leadership and went for a new leader (1 Kings 12:16). Further, under his watch Judah plunged into deep spiritual corruption (1 Kings 14:22).

Beloved, when the righteous bear rule, the people rejoice. But the unrighteous in leadership is a disaster in all levels.

You, as a child of God, have been called as the light of the world. We are to provide the world the way and the path that leads to godliness and grace. In our homes and workplaces, in our communities and neighborhoods, we are to shine God’s light so others can follow the light. The question today is this: “Are you being strong in shinning God’s light or you are being weak as Rehoboam?” Are you copying and following the world r you’re making Christ known? Are you the kind of person others see and want to be like you or they shudder? Do you treat people under you with respect and gentleness or you are still abusive? Every opportunity God gives to you is the kind for you to serve. Remember: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – 1 Kings 14:21-31

 Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so. 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Which areas of your life would you say is not shinning the light of God to the world and therefore needs attention?

 

PRAYER

Precious Father, you have called me to be a light to this world. I must shine wherever I go. I ask and receive grace to be strong in shinning your light, refusing to be intimidated by the works of evil men. Wherever I go, I make Jesus known. Glory to God!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Kings 19; Ezekiel 9; Luke 5