Friday, 15th September 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: KING-SIZE ERROR: ABIJAH’S FAILURE
THEME SCRIPTURE: “He walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather.” – 1 Kings 15:3
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why did Abijah choose to walk in all the sins of his father, Rehoboam?
Rehoboam was dead and his son Abijah was now on the throne. According to the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah, Abijah was not the firstborn of Rehoboam. However, Maachah, being the favourite among Rehoboam’s sixty concubines and eighteen wives, her son was elevated to be the crown prince (2 Chron 11:20-22). Unfortunately, Abijah’s reign was brief, three years (1 Kings 15:2), and he walked in all the sins of his father, Rehoboam. Thus, according to a German proverb, “Was die alten sungen, das zwitshern die jungen.” “Whatever the old sing, the young chirp.” Abijah’s heart was not perfect towards the Lord God (1 Kings 15:3).
Presiding over a shrunken kingdom, the king of Judah, Abijah, failed to be his own man. Rather, he proved to be the son of Rehoboam.
What he saw his father do was what he did—he walked in all the sins of his father. All the sins. He just repeated the poor statesmanship of Rehoboam. Hence his tenure as king of Judah was not only brief but weak and woefully disappointing.
This is very similar to many of God’s people who have failed to be themselves. Failing to search scriptures and know God for themselves, they are living in a fool’s paradise. It is true that God is interested in dealing with us personally rather than through people. When God is reaching out to us through people it is because we are not connecting with Him or too busy for Him. Unfortunately, Abijah failed to know the God of Israel to lead him, while he led Israel.
It is also true that when God puts you in authority, He has also placed you under authority—His authority. Thus, the one who authorized you is the authority over your authority.
For instance, God gave everything to Adam and Eve, giving them dominion over everything. He took out the tree of the knowledge of good and evil from under their authority and dominion, to remind them that they have to submit to a higher authority. It is to our own hurt, and we pick our own pockets, if we neglect to exercise authority under God’s authority.
Precious one, you may be a father, mother, priest, teacher or manager. You may be a union president or a community leader. Where do you draw your ultimate authority from? From God or from no one? From a constitution or from bylaws?
Apostle Paul, writing to the Roman believers, charged them to submit to the higher authority. He then added that, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained by God” (Rom 13:1).
Meaning, your authority (no matter how small you may see it) is ordained by God. Are you drawing near to God so you can walk rightly in your authority? Are you interested in knowing God’s plan and purposes for which He brought you into authority? Abijah was privileged but he failed. He did not know the God whose grace brought him into a privileged position, neither did he walk perfectly before Him. But those who will know their God, and why He has brought them into authority, shall be strong, doing exploit all their days. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – 1 Kings 15:1-8
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:
- Which areas of your life do you see yourself following others, copying from social media and what friends impose on you?
CONFESSION
Eternal Father, you are the Lord and Master over my life. The ox knows its owner and the ass knows its master’s crib. How much more me whom you have saved by your wonderful grace. I choose to remain under your authority and dominion, Lord. Forever, you are my Lord. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Kings 21; Ezekiel 11; Luke 7
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