relationships (1 Kings 12:1-33) Trust the Wisdom

(1 Kings 12:1-33)  Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, because all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 Now when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard about this, he was living in Egypt (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon). 3 Then they sent word and summoned him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 4 “Your father made our yoke hard; but now, lighten the hard labor imposed by your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.” 5 Then he said to them, “Depart for three days, then return to me.” So the people departed.

6 And King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” 7 Then they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant them their request, and speak pleasant words to them, then they will be your servants always.” 8 But he ignored the advice of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and served him. 9 He said to them, “What advice do you give, so that we may answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” 10 And the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “This is what you should say to this people who spoke to you, saying: ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us!’ You should speak this way to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 11 Now then, my father loaded you with a heavy yoke; yet I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions!’”

12 Then Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, just as the king had directed, saying, “Return to me on the third day.” 13 And the king answered the people harshly, for he ignored the advice of the elders which they had given him, 14 and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions!” 15 So the king did not listen to the people; because it was a turn of events from the Lord, in order to establish His word which the Lord spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

16 When all Israel saw that the king had not listened to them, the people replied to the king, saying,

     “What share do we have in David?
     We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse;
     To your tents, Israel!
     Now look after your own house, David!”

So Israel went away to their tents. 17 But as for the sons of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 18 Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel has broken with the house of David to this day.

20 And it came about, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, that they sent word and called him to the assembly, and made him king over all Israel. None except the tribe of Judah alone followed the house of David.

21 Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 chosen warriors, to fight against the house of Israel to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. 22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 23 “Tell Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of the people, saying, 24 ‘This is what the Lord says: “You shall not go up nor fight against your relatives the sons of Israel; return, every man to his house, for this thing has come from Me.”’” So they listened to the word of the Lord, and returned to go their way in accordance with the word of the Lord.

25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will return to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will return to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king consulted, and he made two golden calves; and he said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. 31 And he made houses on high places, and appointed priests from all the people who were not of the sons of Levi. 32 Jeroboam also instituted a feast in the eighth month on the fifteenth day of the month, like the feast that is in Judah, and he went up to the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves which he had made. And he stationed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. 33 Then he went up to the altar which he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, the month that he had devised in his own heart; and he instituted a feast for the sons of Israel and went up to the altar to burn incense.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Both kings heard wise advice.  Rehoboam heard advice from the elders who had served Solomon.  That alone should have said something!  Instead he turned to his peers who told him what he wanted to hear.  This was a decision made out of selfishness and wanting to please his friends, without any regard to God.

And Jeroboam had a prophet who delivered direct instructions and promises from the Lord!  He also chose to ignore the wisdom, and did what he thought was best for himself.  This was a decision made out of selfishness and fear, because Jeroboam didn't trust God's directions and promises.

Why do we think we know better than God?  The Lord is sovereign, and knows everything - including the future!  AND we know that He loves us and wants the best for us, but He is not going to force Himself onto anyone.  Putting our trust in Him is our choice to make.  And then, in our relationship with Him, trusting His will for every step that we take - are our choices to make.  And the longer I live, the more I see how doing what God says - works!!!  And the more I see God working in my life, the more I trust God and what He says!!!

relationships (1 Kings 11:1-43) Dating and Marriage

(1 Kings 11:1-43)  Now King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations of which the Lord had said to the sons of Israel, “You shall not associate with them, nor shall they associate with you; they will certainly turn your heart away to follow their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives, who were princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned his heart away. 4 For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of his father David had been. 5 For Solomon became a follower of Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and of Milcom the abhorrent idol of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as his father David had done. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abhorrent idol of Moab, on the mountain that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abhorrent idol of the sons of Ammon. 8 He also did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.

9 Now the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 10 and had commanded him regarding this thing, that he was not to follow other gods; but he did not comply with what the Lord had commanded. 11 So the Lord said to Solomon, “Since you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will certainly tear the kingdom away from you, and will give it to your servant. 12 However, I will not do it in your days, only for the sake of your father David; but I will tear it away from the hand of your son. 13 Yet I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David, and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”

14 Then the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; he was of the royal line in Edom. 15 For it came about, when David was in Edom and Joab the commander of the army had gone up to bury those killed in battle, and had struck and killed every male in Edom  16 (for Joab and all Israel stayed there for six months, until he had eliminated every male in Edom), 17 that Hadad fled to Egypt, he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him, while Hadad was a young boy. 18 They set out from Midian and came to Paran; and they took men with them from Paran and came to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a house and assigned him food and gave him land. 19 Now Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him in marriage the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 20 And the sister of Tahpenes gave birth to his son Genubath, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh’s house; and Genubath was in Pharaoh’s house among the sons of Pharaoh. 21 But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David lay down with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, so that I may go to my own country.” 22 However, Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me that you are here, requesting to go to your own country?” And he answered, “Nothing; nevertheless you must let me go.”

23 God also raised up another adversary against him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer, king of Zobah. 24 And he gathered men to himself and became leader of a marauding band, after David killed those of Zobah; and they went to Damascus and stayed there, and reigned in Damascus. 25 So he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, along with the harm that Hadad inflicted; and he felt disgust for Israel and reigned over Aram.

26 Then Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also rebelled against the king. 27 Now this was the reason why he rebelled against the king: Solomon built the Millo, and closed up the breach of the city of his father David. 28 Now the man Jeroboam was a valiant warrior, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he appointed him over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph. 29 And it came about at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Ahijah had clothed himself with a new cloak; and both of them were alone in the field. 30 Then Ahijah took hold of the new cloak which was on him and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘Behold, I am going to tear the kingdom away from the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes  32 (but he shall have one tribe, for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel), 33 because they have abandoned Me, and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the sons of Ammon; and they have not walked in My ways, doing what is right in My sight and keeping My statutes and My ordinances, as his father David did. 34 Nevertheless I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of My servant David whom I chose, who kept My commandments and My statutes; 35 but I will take the kingdom from his son’s hand and give it to you; that is, ten tribes. 36 But to his son I will give one tribe, so that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen for Myself to put My name. 37 However I will take you, and you shall reign over all that you desire, and you shall be king over Israel. 38 Then it shall be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight by keeping My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 39 So I will oppress the descendants of David for this, but not always.’” 40 Solomon sought therefore to put Jeroboam to death; but Jeroboam set out and fled to Egypt to Shishak king of Egypt, and he was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon and whatever he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon? 42 So the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43 Then Solomon lay down with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David, and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

We can be our own worst enemy.  King Solomon had it so good, but he just couldn't "help" himself.  Even though it is very clear that God will bless those who remain steadfast in His will, temptations will arise, and we will stumble.  Therefore it helps to set up hedges of protection, which lends itself to accountability.  I'm now going to launch into a pep-talk-tangent here regarding dating and marriage, because marriage is hard enough without adding to the inevitable struggles. 

It helps to have deal-breaking prerequisites regarding what kind of person we should marry.  (Are they a really a Christian?  Where and how are they serving the Lord?  Can you see fruit of the Spirit?  Do they encourage you to have a closer and deeper relationship with the Lord?)  So then, when someone comes along and shows interest, ask yourself, do they have all the necessary qualities?  If not, then move on.  Do not even think about dating them.

Once married, continually decide to love your spouse with unconditional love, determining to remain faithful.  Avoid the appearance of evil, as well as anything that makes you vulnerable to straying.  Don't let your feelings or lack of feelings derail your relationship!  Feelings are fickle and they come and they go.  Could there be someone else better suited for you?  Maybe, but you have committed yourself to THIS person!   

Don't think about how they are NOT serving you, but think about how you can serve your spouse.  When you both give 100%, you both get 100%.  Continue to date each other.  And most importantly, continue to grow closer to the Lord, because as we do, we will grow closer to each other.  Put God first, as He alone is sovereign!  He alone can fulfill us and make us complete!  God is faithful!  And God never makes mistakes!  But people do!!!

None of us are perfect, and we are all susceptible to committing any sin.  This is why we need saving in the first place!  And then this is why we need God's mercy and His grace.  This is why we need God's daily guidance and wisdom.  This is why we should not just depend on our own strength, or another person's strength, but we should continue living and striving in God's strength!  And this is exactly why it is important to have other steadfast believers in our lives - especially in marriage!  We need someone who will keep us focused on God and striving in His will!

relationships (1 Kings 10:1-29) Truth Works

(1 Kings 10:1-29)  Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon in relation to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with riddles. 2 So she came to Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels carrying balsam oil and a very large quantity of gold and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she spoke to him about everything that was in her heart. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was concealed from the king which he did not explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 5 and the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their attire, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings which he offered at the house of the Lord, she was breathless. 6 Then she said to the king, “It was a true story that I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. 7 But I did not believe the stories until I came and my own eyes saw it all. And behold, the half of it was not reported to me. You have exceeded in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard. 8 Blessed are your men, and blessed are these servants of yours who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to put you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loves Israel forever, He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.” 10 Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very large amount of balsam oil and precious stones. Never again did such a large quantity of balsam oil come in as that which the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon.

11 And the ships of Hiram as well, which brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir a very great number of almug trees and precious stones. 12 The king made from the almug trees supports for the house of the Lord and for the king’s house, and lyres and harps for the singers; such almug trees have not come in again, nor have they been seen to this day.

13 And King Solomon granted the queen of Sheba everything she desired, whatever she requested, besides what he gave her in proportion to his royal bounty. Then she departed and went to her own land together with her servants.

14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 15 besides that from the traders, and the wares of the merchants and all the kings of the Arabs and the governors of the country. 16 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of beaten gold, using six hundred shekels of gold on each large shield. 17 And he made three hundred small shields of beaten gold, using three minas of gold on each shield; and the king put them in the house of the timber of Lebanon. 18 Moreover, the king made a large throne of ivory and overlaid it with fine gold. 19 There were six steps to the throne and a round top to the throne at its back, and armrests on each side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests. 20 Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom. 21 Now all King Solomon’s drinking utensils were of gold, and all the utensils of the house of the timber of Lebanon were of pure gold. None was of silver; it was not considered as amounting to anything in the days of Solomon. 22 For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s ships; once every three years the ships of Tarshish would come carrying gold and silver, ivory, monkeys, and peacocks.

23 So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in wealth and wisdom. 24 And all the earth was seeking the attention of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 25 And they were bringing, everyone, a gift: articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, balsam oil, horses, and mules, so much year by year.

26 Now Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; and he had 1,400 chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, and he stationed them in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 And the king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedars as plentiful as sycamore trees that are in the lowland. 28 Also Solomon’s import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king’s merchants acquired them from Kue for a price. 29 A chariot was imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for 150; and by the same means they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of the Arameans.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Immediately, in verse 1, we see the word "relation"... the queen had heard about "the fame of Solomon IN RELATION to the name of the Lord"!  In other words, people knew that Solomon had a personal relationship with the Lord, Himself, and because of that and in that, the Lord had given him wisdom and wealth.  Of course, the world KNEW of... but they didn't necessarily understand.  Now, perhaps after asking all her questions and riddles, the queen did come to understand and believe.

I have a friend, who is very book-smart.  She SAYS she has even "read" and studied the Bible, but as she peppers me with questions, and I ask God to help me answer in His wisdom... it becomes very apparent that she doesn't really want to understand.  Her heart and mind is just bent on trying to convince and change my heart and mind.  It's not going to happen, but she seems to think that she is able to undermine all biblical truths in order to shake and unravel a person's faith.  And her made-up-Jesus approves of everything she says and does.  

If only this friend could see that she is actually an antichrist.  She is completely against the true Lord Jesus, and she is determined to spread the false news to keep people from following Him.  Meanwhile, I remain available to share the gospel message whenever I have an opportunity.  And I will continue to pray for her, that her eyes will be opened.  It is not my "job" to convict or convince her of anything.  This is completely in the hands of the Holy Spirit!

There will be times when God's wisdom seems foolish to most of the world, but when we dare to trust and apply God's words, and we are wise enough to live by God's truths and wisdom, the outcome is undeniable.  Having a close relationship with God, Himself, there will be blessings!  It may not be monetarily, but there will be blessings.  Not only will we see evidence of God's truths at work in our lives, our close relationship with the Lord will be a testimony and an encouragement to those around us, that these things are from God, and because of God, and God alone.