King Solomon gets off track. Idolatry and oppressing the people with excessive taxes puts him in the proverbial doghouse with God. A prophet meets Jeroboam and gives him a message. He is told that God will give him ten tribes to rule. He even tells him when all this will happen - during the time of Solomon's son. The promise has a few conditions attached to it.
Jeroboam was to:
heed all God's commands
walk in all His ways
do what is right in God's sight
keep His statutes (laws) and commandments
How was he to do this? ...as David had done!
The result: "...then I (God) will be with you and build for you an enduring house, as
I built for David, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you."
Jeroboam started off great as a mighty man of valor, hard-working, and a leader. King Solomon could count on this guy to get the job done. Not too long after this, we find Solomon trying to kill Jeroboam. Why? What changed? Apparently, Jeroboam wanted to speed up the prophetic word even though he was told all this would not happen until Solomon's son was king. He ends up fleeing to Egypt until after Solomon's death.
Jeroboam had a task list from God. Instead of obeying Him, he started thinking about his future and got out of God's timing. Those thoughts acted like seeds planted in the ground. They sprouted and grew into rebellion against Solomon.
Solomon eventually dies, and his son ascends to the throne. He treats the people even worse than his father. Jeroboam becomes king over 10 tribes as God told him. Does he get the message, and mend his ways? Nooo, he starts entertaining bad thoughts again. This time, he's afraid to allow the people to go worship God up at Jerusalem. He's concerned they will turn back to Solomon's son and try to kill him.
He sets up golden calves, altars, and establish a priesthood. Jeroboam could have walked in God's blessings, but he let it all slip through his fingers by ignoring God's conditions. His idolatry set a pattern for the nation of Israel. Unlike the House of David, Israel never had a godly king, and Jeroboam's kingly line is cut off.
The story could have had a "happily-ever-after" ending. Unfortunately, the potential hero disobeyed God, and destroyed his own destiny.
To enjoy this message in its entirety, check out the sermon player on the website. Our Sunday service begins at 10:00 A.M. at Zoe Christian Fellowship, 1111 Easton Road, Warrington, PA. We'd love to meet you.
1 comment:
I noticed that Pastor, when speaking about what people think will make them happy (i.e. a new car, a new house, a new job), did not use the word new when mentioning wife or husband. Not in a proper christian's thought process but an idea that does exist in today's society. Perhaps this was an oversight?
Ray
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