I revisited the book of 1st Kings this week for the first time in years and was moved by a few issues in the book. First, Sin destroys, ravages, and consumes good things Fast. The kingdom is at it’s height, the temple is built, followed by the palace, there is justice, and peace, pagan queens are praising Solomon’s God, all is well in the kingdom and with the Lords people. Then there is a note that Solomon did what was detestable in the sight of the Lord, he married a woman who worshiped another god, which pulled Solomon’s worship allegiance away from Yahweh. It was a great reminder that sin eases in, but devours everything in it’s path, including people and a kingdom.
Second, Rehoboam becomes king and circles up counsel to advise him in 1 Kings 12. He goes to the elders who gives him counsel that he doesn’t want to hear, but it is the right counsel. As a result, he goes and seeks counsel from his friends who counsel him to lead in a way that is beneficial for himself (and the friends), but not the people. 1 Kings 12:8, says, “But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him”. Not good! Leadership and Love always have others best interests in mind.
Back to a theme from a previous blog…Who’s telling you something you don’t want to hear for the benefit of you and others? Who’s telling something about your character that you don’t want to hear?
Question of the week for you to ask your group: Is there anything you have wanted to tell me about my character or actions that isn’t honoring to God? or Is there anything that you have tried to tell me in private that i just didn’t listen or hear? Oh sweet Holiness….
