What does it mean to be the LORD's people?

 Read 2 Kings 11. 

When the king of Judah died, Athaliah, his wicked mother, seized the throne.  It is hard to imagine someone being so power hungry that they would kill every family member.  But thanks to the merciful act of Jehosheba, Athaliah's grandson was hidden from the slaughter. 

After more than six years, God raised up Jehoida, the priest, to implement a plan to overthrow Athaliah and to once again spiritually cleanse the nation.  Though just a boy, Joash was crowned king of Judah with his spiritual mentor making the decisions. 

"And Jehoida made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people, that they should be the LORD's people..." (v.17) 

What does it mean to be the LORD's people?

It meant that they would live to please and obey God.  It meant that they would get rid of anything that displeased the LORD.  This was a new beginning for the nation. 

Daily taking time for some self-evaluation before the LORD is the road to spiritual health. 

-In what ways are we pleasing Him now? 

-What needs to be added to our daily disciplines? 

-What needs to be deleted from our lives in order to fully obey Him? 

-What commitments do we need to make now to be a growing believer in Jesus? 

God keeps His Promises

 Read 2 Kings 8-10. 

Time and again the scriptures record how God keeps His promises. 

The Shunammite widow from chapter 4 was protected by God.  He let her know in advance that there would be a famine for seven years.  She left the country for that time and the LORD took care of her.  When she returned God gave her favor with the king to restore her house and land.  Even more, he ordered that she be given seven years of produce from the land. 

In Syria, God revealed to Elisha that King Ben-hadad would die and Hazael would reign in his place.  It happened, just as He said. 

Then, the LORD had to deal with Jehoram, king of Judah.  He was an evil king.  "Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever." (8:19) 

Elisha instructed a nameless prophet to anoint Jehu as king of Israel.  His charge was to rid the country of the wickedness and sorceries of Ahab and Jezebel.  God used Jehu to fulfill the promises that were made in 1 Kings 21 by Elijah.  Finally, the murder of the innocent man, Naboth, had been avenged.  

Further, Jehu obeyed the LORD in executing all of Ahab's descendants and all the false prophets in Israel.  In the process of spiritually cleansing the nation he stated, "Know then that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the LORD." (10:10a) 

The wheels of God's justice may turn slowly (to us) but they do turn.  God works His justice through kings and nations.  Government powers and their overthrows are in His hand.  What God promises He will fulfill.  His word is without error and totally reliable.

 

Prepare for the windows of heaven to Open

 Read 2 Kings 7.

Syria took military action again.  This time they laid siege to Samaria.  Their tactic was simply to starve the city to death.  The plan was working until the king of Israel had had enough and blamed Elisha.  When the captain arrived, whom the king sent to arrest Elisha, Elisha prophesied that all would be well.  There would be plenty of food and provisions for the city within twenty-four hours.

The captain did not believe this word from the LORD.  He scoffed that even if God made "windows in heaven" it would not happen.  Without any assistance from Israel, God confused the Syrian army so that they fled in panic.  They left behind all their food, clothing, valuables, and animals.  The people of Samaria had more than they could use.  But unbelief cost the captain his life.

How does God open the windows of heaven?  The LORD is not limited in His ability to meet our needs.  He does not drop money out of the sky.  The resources He wants to give to His people are already here and nearer than we could imagine.  If we can earn it all without dependence on Him or if we feel we deserve it, then we could claim it as our own.  But when we know we did not deserve it and He surprises us with His grace, then He alone gets the credit and the glory.

First, we are to honor God with what He has already provided.  "Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."  (Malachi 3:10)

4 Godly responses to Fear

 Read 2 Kings 6. 

The Syrian king, Ben-hadad, repeatedly sought to attack Israel.  But each time God revealed the plans to Elisha who in turn informed the king of Israel.  Israel could not have had a better source of military intelligence.  It was God's way of protecting the northern kingdom. 

Once Ben-hadad discovered the source of the intelligence leak, he sent his troops to capture Elisha.  They surrounded the city with their chariots, ready to advance.  Surely, Elisha's servant was not the only one to be scared.  But Elisha could see what no one else did.  He saw what God was doing to protect all of them.  He prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see" (v.17).  God had encircled Elisha with horses and chariots of fire.  Then, the LORD struck the enemy with blindness so they were unable to move.  Humorously, Elisha led the Syrian army into the capital city of Israel.  Instead of killing them, a feast was provided and the king of Israel sent them back home safely.  Only God. 

In times of fear-

1. Pray to see the problem from a spiritual perspective.  What is God doing?  It was not Syria against Elisha but Syria against God. (v.16) 

2. Pray that others will see the problem from God's perspective. (v.17) 

3. Pray directly for God's power to be displayed. (v.18) 

4. Exercise wisdom that will result in peace. (v.23)

 

Testing: what are the Results?

 Read 2 Kings 5. 

Naaman is described as "a great man", "in high favor", and "a mighty man".  He served the king of Syria as an army general.  Further, it was because of Naaman "the LORD had given victory to Syria."  That would seem to indicate that, even though he did not know the LORD, he was trying to do the right thing.  Now the tests begin to unfold in his life. 

Test #1.  He had leprosy.  This meant he would live the rest of his life as an outcast and unable to be close to people.  It had to be humiliating for such a national leader.  How would he respond? 

Test #2.  In one of his conquests, he had captured a young Jewish girl and given her to his wife as a slave.  The girl remembered that there was a prophet in Israel who could help with this leprosy.  Would this great man listen to the advice of a foreign slave girl? 

Test #3.  With papers of passage, he left Syria and rode to the king of Israel in Samaria.  His purpose was totally misunderstood.  King Joram took it as a personal threat and became greatly upset at the prospect of war with Syria.  How would Naaman feel at this point?  Would his hopes be dashed?  Would he have to stand there and be embarrassed before this king?  Would his life be threatened?  As a general, would he begin a battle plan? 

Test #4.  God had Elisha intervene.  The mighty general rode up to "the door" with his entourage and thought he would receive some memorable display of prophetic power from Elisha.  But Elisha never even came to greet him.  Naaman was immediately offended.  Would he let pride get in the way of what he really needed and wanted? 

It is through the tests of life that God endeavors to gain our attention to draw us to Himself.  His first purpose is for us to come to know Him personally.  The tests from then on are directed for our spiritual growth and steadfast trust in Him. 

Naaman had a physical problem and looked to Elisha for a show of miraculous power.  Instead, what God wanted from Naaman was a demonstration of humble obedience.  When he became willing to obey, then the miracle happened.  However, the more important miracle is what took place inside Naaman.  He became spiritually alive and worshipped the true and living God.

Preparing to be Blessed

 Read 2 Kings 4. 

Elisha's double portion of Elijah's spirit continues to be on display in this chapter.  It contains three more miracles. 

The first opportunity came from a widow of one of the prophets.  With her husband gone and no means of support, she was being foreclosed upon by creditors.  Evidently, she had no property as collateral, so her two sons would be taken as debtor slaves.  Elisha used a tactic often employed by Jesus.  The need appeared obvious but there was more than one way to resolve the issue.  He asked her thoughtful questions. 

Some transferable insights for us:

1. Throughout the Old and New Testament, God ordered special attention and care for widows and orphans.

2. Giving money to the needy is not always the best way to resolve the problem.

3. When there is a desperate need, it is good and right to ask ourselves and others some clarifying questions.

4. The key question is-"What do you already have"?  Often, the answer is not money but what is readily available to use for a solution beyond the immediate crisis.  It may not seem like much, but with God's blessing it can be enough.

5. Get ready to receive.  This requires an act of faith.  God will not waste His resources.  Why would He bless those who have no capacity to receive it?  The widow prepared to receive the blessing by expanding her capacity.  It was only a bunch of empty pots.  Note: God only gave her what she had prepared to receive.  Once all the pots were full, the blessing stopped.

6. In two of the miracles in this chapter Elisha gave instructions to "shut the door".  These miracles were not done as a side-show to draw a crowd.  Many times God works in private in order to reward openly. 

We need to be thankful for what we have, seek to expand our capacity, and trust God to meet our need.  It will be enough.    

To whom do you turn?

Read 2 Kings 3. 

The king of Moab decided to stop providing enormous amounts of taxation in the form of food and clothing to Israel.  This rebellion demanded a military response.  The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom formed a quick alliance and set out for battle. 

Their strategy caused them to march in areas where there was no water.  Only at this point did they want to inquire of God.  So, they sent for Elisha.  Before Elisha did anything, he pointed out to Jehoshaphat that with all the false prophets in Israel, none of them could help when he needed it.  Meeting the vast needs of armies and animals with water was no problem for God.  "This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD" (verse 18a).  In addition, the LORD guaranteed their victory. 

When the king of Moab realized he could not win, he resorted to a desperate act for help according to his pagan worship.  He sacrificed his own son as an offering to a made-up god.  This was so repulsive that everyone returned home disgusted. 

1. God is a person with whom we can have a personal, intimate relationship. 

2. God is not an insurance policy that is only used when there is a disaster.

3. There is only One in heaven who can truly help us.  All other sources of help will eventually prove to be poor substitutes at best and evil at worst. 

As Edward Mote penned, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand.  All other ground is sinking sand."

Asking for the power of God

 Read 2 Kings 2. 

All the prophets in Judah knew that Elijah's ministry had come to a close.  Elisha would become his successor as Judah's leading spiritual prophet.  He closely followed Elijah as he anticipated the moment of transition.  The two traveled eastward to Bethel to Jericho to the Jordan River.  Crossing the river proved to be no problem.  Elijah just rolled up his outer garment and struck the water.  The two of them walked across on dry ground.  This is the second time this miracle occurred.  The first took place in Joshua 3.  Fifty other prophets of God, watching from a distance, witnessed the miracle. 

As the mentor prepared to leave, he asked Elisha, "What shall I do for you"?  Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah's spirit.  Under the Old Testament law, the firstborn could receive a double portion of the inheritance.  But Elisha did not ask for an inheritance of an estate.  He wanted to continue the ministry with a double portion of God's power upon him. 

Elijah is one of two men in the Bible who do not have a recorded death.  In Genesis 5:24, Enoch "walked with God and was not for God took him".   Many would also include Moses.  However, there are several verses in the Bible that use the word dead or death concerning him. 

The confirmation of God's power upon Elisha was not only in witnessing Elijah’s ascension into heaven, but in the actions that followed.  It was not personal power but dependence upon the power of God indicating his spiritual leadership to everyone around him.  Those same fifty prophets watched as Elisha also parted the Jordan River. This marked the third time for this same miracle. 

Whenever God is visibly at work, expect the Evil One to also try to counter it or destroy it.  The test came almost immediately.  Young men, not children, treated Elisha with contempt.  This must be interpreted not only as verbal abuse (making fun of his appearance) but, even more, slandering the work of God and Elisha as a servant of God. 

In verse 14 Elisha asked, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?"  This was not asking for God's location.  No.  He anticipated God's intervention!  Where do we need His intervention today?

The number one block to Hope

 Read 2 Kings 1. 

When the need is great enough people search for spiritual help. 

Ahaziah was an evil king over Israel.  But as he lay dying from an accident he wanted spiritual intervention.  He turned to the pagan, made-up god called Baal-zebub.  In response, God sent Elijah.

The majority of the Jews lived in the northern kingdom of Israel.  They separated from Judah.  The problem was that Jerusalem with the Temple was in the south.  Spiritually, the north had cut themselves off from their true center of worship.  Elijah's message from God, in the form of question, underscored the issue. 

King Ahaziah thought he would display his royal power and authority by sending troops to order Elijah to appear before him.  Underneath the surface of this action was the spiritual battle.  It was not the king against Elijah.  It was the hubris of Ahaziah and his rebellion against the God of heaven.  Unfortunately, the king's pride cost the lives of many soldiers.  Finally, the third captain understood.  With great humility, he pleaded with Elijah for his life and that of his men. 

There was no repentance of sin on the part of Ahaziah.  In his hurt, he just wanted help from any spiritual source.  The only true spiritual help and the only hope for eternity was right in front of him.  Why would a dying man continue to hold fast to his false beliefs?  "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."  Proverbs 16:18 

"...'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'  Submit yourselves therefore to God." James 4:6b-7a

 

 

Examining what you Hear

 Read 1 Kings 22. 

This is a rare account when the king of Israel and the king of Judah sat down peaceably and planned anything together.  The question at hand was whether to go to war against Syria.  All of Ahab's prophets immediately supported the king's desire to go to war.  But Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was a godly man and realized that something was not right.  They summoned Micaiah. 

Micaiah was not like the hired prophets of Ahab at all.  He declared, "As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak" (v.14).  This true prophet of God revealed the nature of false prophets.  They "entice" (vv.20-22) the hearers who pay them for what they want to hear, not what God's word says.  Therefore, they are lying when they speak (v.22).  The words sound good to the undiscerning, but they are empty concerning what God wants done.  They become socially acceptable but repugnant to the LORD. 

As Micaiah was led away to prison for telling the truth, he delivered a prophetic word concerning Ahab.  The certainty of the prophecy was that Ahab would not return from the battle in peace.  Indeed, Ahab died as a result of a so-called random arrow that hit the one person in just the right place to fulfill the prophecy.  This was no coincidence.  God took care of the pouting, evil king and fulfilled the original gruesome prophecy of his death in 1 Kings 21:24. 

Just because someone has a religious position or says they know what God wants does not make it so.  Gratefully, today we have God’s word written down for us in the Bible.  There have always been false prophets who do not know the LORD, or His word, and only go through the motions of their religion.  When the Apostle Paul preached in Berea, the people who heard him even checked his message against the Scriptures to see if it was truthful.  

"...they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11)

When the leader fails to lead, everyone pays a price.

 Read 1 Kings 21. 

This is the story of a pouting king and the consequences of selfish, evil behaviors. 

Underlying principles that Ahab violated:

1. We are to respect the rights of others.

2. We are to respect the heritage of others.

3. We are never to abuse power for personal gain.  That is the definition of extortion.

4. We are to take swift and decisive action when we become aware of wrong doing. 

If the person responsible will not take action, someone else will fill that vacuum and the outcome may not be honorable.

Mistakes and sins committed by Jezebel:

1. She took up another's offense.  She should have reminded her husband that he possessed plenty of food and land already.  She should have been an encourager to him.

2. She took responsibility and authority that did not belong to her.  There was no crisis for her to usurp authority.  She used the king's power to do evil.

3. She lied.

4. She devised an evil scheme, commanded others to participate in murder, and abused the legal system against an innocent man.  Those in charge of such judgments became directly and knowingly involved in the corruption. 

God sent Elijah to condemn these two for what they did.

1. Ahab "sold" himself to do evil. (v.20)

2. Ahab "made Israel sin." (v.23)

3. Ahab allowed Jezebel to incite him to do evil. (v.25) 

Yes, Ahab repented at the news of the impending disasters.  However, God did not change His mind.  He only delayed  implementing a part of the judgment. 

King David wrote wise words for us today-

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) 

Where is my Help?

 Read 1 Kings 20.  

The king of Syria with an allied force from 32 other kings mustered to conquer Ahab and the northern kingdom of Israel.  When negotiations failed, the two sides readied themselves for battle. 

God sent an unnamed prophet to Ahab with this message, "Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the LORD" (v.13b).  Amazingly, after all of Ahab's rebellion and evil, God continued to reveal Himself to Ahab.  These were God's chosen people and He wanted them to turn back to Him.  Though enormously outnumbered, Israel set themselves toward the enemy and routed them.  

But God was not through with punishing Syria or demanding obedience from Ahab.  As Syria prepared for the second battle, the advisers to Ben-hadad told him to fight in the plain of the land.  Why?  They believed Israel’s god ruled the hills, while their god ruled the valleys (v.23).  In their pagan way of thinking, they believed that a war could be won by pleasing one made-up god over another. 

When the LORD heard this, He sent a prophet to Ahab, "Thus says the LORD, 'Because the Syrians have said, "The LORD is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys," therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD" (v.28).  The battle was not Israel against Syria, but Syria against God.  The LORD wants all nations to know who He is and of His power; that included Ahab. 127,000 enemy soldiers died that day against 7,000 from Israel.  Only God. 

They looked the gods of the hills, instead of the God who made the hills.  Many today look to the stars, instead of the God who made the stars.  The Psalmist looked at the hills and asked the life changing question. 

Psalm 121:1-2 "I will lift my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth."

Time for a Break

 Read 1 Kings 19. 

Elijah faced down a king and 450 false prophets.  He saw God answer prayer and use him in one of the great demonstrations of God's power in the Old Testament.  Yet, when the evil Jezebel threatened to kill him he ran in fear. 

Why would such a strong prophet of God do this?  And, how would God respond to him? 

It appears in verse 4 that Elijah was exhausted--physically, mentally, and spiritually.  All he wanted to do was find a safe, quiet place to sit and, perhaps, die.  He did not want to do this anymore.  He wanted out.  Anyone who has experienced burn-out can identify with Elijah at this point. 

Notice how the LORD does not rebuke Elijah but very patiently nurses the prophet back to health.

1. He needed sleep.

2. He needed food.

3. He needed more sleep.

4. God sent him on a travel adventure to Mt. Horeb.

More than a month and a half went by without God confronting Elijah about anything. 

At Horeb, the LORD delivered His message, but watch how He began.  He did not start with a lecture, but a simple question: "What are you doing here?"  God often used this technique.  In the very first confrontation in the Bible, to Adam: "Where are you?"  To Jonah: "Do you do well to be angry...?" and others.  He asked questions, not because He did not know the answer, but because He wanted the person to verbalize their feelings and the problem.  Elijah was afraid, discouraged, and lonely. 

Elijah did not need a seminar on loneliness or counseling about discouragement.  Instead, God refreshed the personal relationship and showed again His miraculous power.  But the call from God to get up and get back to work did not come in the loud, powerful displays.  No.  It came in the quiet, whisper of God's voice. 

I believe God is speaking...through the scriptures and into our spirits every day.  We need daily times alone with God and to listen to what He has to say to us.

Make up your Mind

Read 1 Kings 18. 

Three years passed.  The famine in Israel was so great the king had to search the land for grass to feed the animals.  Meanwhile, Jezebel sat at her royal table and fed 450 false prophets of the god Baal.  It was time for the one true God to intervene again.  He sent Elijah to meet with Ahab for a showdown.  

This was not an ego-driven power game between Ahab and Elijah.  Rather, it was a public opportunity for God to display His power and bring Israel to repent of its false worship.  The challenge is in verse 21: "How long will you go limping between two different opinions?  If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." 

The Hebrew word translated "limping" in the ESV means "to hop".  It may be used of one who steps as if lame or dances.  The nation claimed by heritage to be the people of God, chosen by Him from the time of Abraham.  Yet, their lives and resources went to worship a made-up god of their choosing and reject any claim the God of heaven made upon them.  Doing both is not possible.  It was time for them to make up their minds. 

The confrontation is graphically detailed for us.  The prophets of Baal prepared their sacrifice, danced around, cried out, and cut themselves in self-punishment for their sin.  But "there was no voice.  No one answered; no one paid attention" (v.29b). 

So many people claim they believe in God, even say they believe the Bible, yet there is no evidence in the way they think, speak or live.  When trouble comes or tragedy strikes, they cry out but all the stuff they lived for does not help them. 

Elijah's prayer was a simple one calling for repentance.  "Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back."

God acted. What is our response?

 Read 1 Kings 17. 

There are three acts of God recorded here with varying responses. 

Even after the death of his two sons, proving the word of God to be accurate, King Ahab of Israel did not repent of his sin.  Then God acted and sent the Prophet Elijah to announce that rain would be withheld for three years.  The drought was devastating to the entire nation.  Everyone suffered.  Still there was no spiritual change. 

God instructed Elijah to cross the Jordan River and leave the country.  There God provided for him.  Next, God sent Elijah to Zarephath and have a widow take care of him. 

The unnamed widow was destitute.  Due to the drought, there were no crops which meant food was scarce.  To demand her to feed him seemed cruel.  But God acted to provide for her, her household, and Elijah.  There is no recorded response from this widow to what the LORD had done for her. 

Then, her son died.  The widow's first reaction was guilt for her sin and that this death was a punishment.  But God acted to bring her son back to life.  Her words appear to reveal that prior to this she only observed what God had to say and what He did for her.  The light went on and faith became personal.  "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth." 

Ahab experienced the painful consequences of disobeying God's word and refused to repent. 

The widow experienced God's blessings and showed no change. 

The widow experienced a spiritual confrontation about her sin and she personally embraced God's word as truth. 

The Lord is at work every moment of every day.  The question is: Are we paying attention to what God is doing throughout the day and responding obediently?

Ignoring God's Word comes with a Price

 Read 1 Kings 16. 

Once the kingdom divided, there was not one good king in the northern kingdom of Israel.  One right after the other, these leaders did evil and led the people in false worship.  Each time this provoked the Lord to anger.  And, each time that leader came to some tragic end. 

With the demise of a king also came the killing of at least all the males in his family who might desire to claim a right to the throne.  Many times total destruction of possessions, property, even cities belonging to the king ensued.  In short, when one person does evil, many other people suffer the consequences. 

When Ahab became king of Israel, he married Jezebel and worshipped the false god Baal.  There is no argument that Jezebel was an awful, sinful woman.  But, concerning Ahab, the scripture states that he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him" (v.30).  He thought he could do whatever he wanted in total disregard for the God of heaven. 

One of his famous projects was to rebuild the ancient city of Jericho.  In Joshua 6, when the walls of Jericho fell and the Israelites conquered that city, Joshua pronounced a prophecy.  "Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho.  'At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates'" (Joshua 6:26).  Though more than 600 years had passed, God's word proved true and Ahab's family experienced these painful consequences. 

God means what He says.  His word is totally reliable.  Neither His word, nor His character, changes with time or culture.  This provides all the confidence we need to live for Him today.  He is worthy of our trust. 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) 

"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.  Your faithfulness endures to all generations;" (Psalm 119:89-90a)

Watch your Influence

 Read 1 Kings 15. 

Abijam became king of Judah.  He was the great-grandson of David.  The scriptures are clear that Abijam continued the sinful practices of his father Rehoboam and "was not wholly true to the LORD his God" (v.3).  However, notice that God remained faithful to the promises He made to David. 

Next, Asa, David's great-great-grandson became king of Judah.  He was a good king and pleased the LORD in his life and in his leadership of the nation.  It required spiritual courage and boldness to cleanse the nation morally, even removing his own mother from her national position. 

Meanwhile in the northern kingdom of Israel, the kings that followed Jeroboam aggressively maintained their evil ways.  

There is a huge reminder for all us here.  We never truly do not know how our decisions and actions directly affect those around us, particularly the generations within our own family.  Our personal spiritual commitments and our moral choices leave a legacy for others to remember us and follow.  The Apostle Paul wrote: "For none of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself." Romans 14:7 

Every interaction with others is a moment of influence.  May all who come behind us find us faithful.

Today is filled with Opportunities

 Read 1 Kings 14. 

The LORD is good and gracious.  He gives each person opportunities to use the resources He has provided to accomplish His purposes.  Think of those opportunities as tests.  Success or failure depends on doing what God wanted done.  When a person refuses to listen and obey God, He will eventually intervene to gain their attention.  

Here we are told that it was God who divided the kingdom and set Jeroboam as king over the ten northern tribes.  These steps were meant to discipline "the house of David" and to test Jeroboam.  In spite of the prophet's warning, Jeroboam used this God-given opportunity to pursue his made up religion and lead the people to do evil.  God then intervened.  Feeling totally hopeless, the king sent his wife in disguise to seek God's help.  And, indeed, God had a message waiting. 

The very direct message explained the details of Jeroboam's opportunity and failure.  He did what was right in his own eyes, praying to metal images that he had made, "and have cast me behind your back" (v.9).  The prophecy includes the loss of the entire family of Jeroboam, the total destruction of his kingdom, and the capture of the northern tribes by an invading army from the north (Assyria).  

In the southern kingdom of Judah, things were not any better.  Headquartered in Jerusalem, they had Solomon's beautiful Temple, priests and prophets.  Yet, King Rehoboam led the nation to worship false gods "under every green tree" v.23).  So, God intervened.  For them he used Shishak, Pharaoh of Egypt, to take away the nation's treasured possessions. 

If we understand who the Owner is and what He wants done, then we will use the opportunities God gives us today to obey and please Him.

Does it matter? Yes it does.

 Read 1 Kings 13. 

We all do not worship the same God.  So, what does the LORD, creator of heaven and earth, think of made-up religion? 

Jeroboam, the king of northern ten tribes of Israel, decided to make up his own worship and build his own altars.  This was done to prevent the people from traveling to Jerusalem in the southern kingdom to worship.  He did not have to wait long to discover what God thought his false religion.  God sent an unnamed prophet from Judah to deliver His message. 

The king's attempt to stop the prophet resulted in a temporary physical deformity and his altar destroyed.  When Jeroboam saw the power of God, he asked for prayer.  Note that he did not ask for forgiveness of his sin, nor to lead the people in a right way, but only for his hand to be restored.  Jeroboam continued in his sinful religion, practicing a pretense of worship on his own terms (vv.33-34).  The worship on a mountain in Samaria prompted the discussion centuries later with Jesus in John 4. 

When God is at work in one life, He is simultaneously at work in all the lives around that person.  The prophet was given strict and specific orders.  He had been given a mission with a message.  He delivered the message but failed to obey the mission.  Who would ever want this on their tombstone: "It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the LORD" (v.26a)? 

Jeroboam thought he could just do something religious and please God.  The prophet partially obeyed but allowed himself to be influenced by a lying man claiming to have an overriding word from the Lord.  Both were tragically wrong.  If these men had taken the truth of God’s word seriously and fully obeyed, their lives and memorials would have been far different. 

Jesus said, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23)

 

 

Are we listening to Wisdom?

 Read 1 Kings 12. 

Now we are told the details of the rift that divided the nation.  The majority of the people had thrown their allegiance to Jeroboam.  However, they sent for Solomon's heir apparent, Rehoboam, who was living in Egypt at the time.  The number one issue that needed change in order to keep the nation together was taxes.  Solomon's tax burden on the people had become unbearable. 

Rehoboam had an opportunity before him that needed the wisdom of his father.  He sought out his father's counselors who advised him to lower the taxes and serve the people.  Then, he went to his young foolish friends who told him he should exercise the power of his position and raise taxes.  With that the kingdom divided and Rehoboam prepared for civil war. 

As the new northern kingdom settled in, it became apparent that the people would want to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem for worship.  To counter this, Jeroboam made up his own religion.  The result plunged most of the nation into false worship away from the LORD. 

The surface issue may have been taxes, but the root issue was much deeper.  When one begins to demand their own way and refuse to listen to wisdom, sin will be the result. 

Rehoboam did not listen to wise counsel. (v.8) 

Rehoboam did not listen to the people. (v.16) 

Rehoboam did finally listen to God. (24) 

Jeroboam did not listen to God.  "This thing became a sin." (v.30) 

May our hearts be open and pliable as Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10-"Speak, LORD, for your servant hears."

Warning: Guard your Heart

 Read 1 Kings 11. 

Up to this point, Solomon sounded almost perfect.  But now we learn just how human he was. 

Two weaknesses became evident:

1. The desire for women more than maintaining a faithful relationship with a wife.

2. The desire to please others more than maintaining a faithful relationship with God. 

Though his marriages may have been mostly for political expediency, these pagan women turned his heart to worshipping their false gods.  The ones named in this chapter are of the worst sort in terms of immorality and even human sacrifices. 

God knew Solomon's weaknesses and therefore, clearly warned him.  Such a warning was not solely directed at Solomon but based upon Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 17:17).  Ignoring and/or disobeying God's Word is sin and will have dire consequences 100% of the time.  The LORD loves His people too much to allow them to continue in sin. 

After years of peace and prosperity, the LORD raised up an adversary.  Allowing adversity is one way God deals with sin in the lives of His people. 

Because Solomon had a divided heart for God, he left a divided kingdom.  Jeroboam, a trust leader turned enemy, became the ruling king over the ten northern tribes of Israel.  The two southern tribes, Judah (the largest of the twelve) and Benjamin (the smallest) were ruled by Solomon's son, Rehoboam.  

It is a sad finish for the life of this great king and a warning to all of us.  "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

 

The purpose of our blessings from God

 Read 1 Kings 10. 

This chapter tells of a pinnacle in Solomon's reign.  Everything appeared to be beyond belief.  His ability to understand and apply wisdom to every situation became internationally known and sought.  His riches surpassed anything the world has ever seen.  Indeed, verse 27 states that silver became as common as rocks. 

We are provided one vignette of his encounter with world leaders.  The Queen of Sheba came for a visit.  Do not miss what took her breath away and how she responded.  More than the wisdom and wealth was his worship and sacrifice to the LORD (v.5).  Notice that Solomon's riches and power were not oppressive to those in his kingdom.  The Queen commented that everyone around Solomon was blessed.  And, then came her most important pronouncement: 

"Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!  Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness." (v.10) 

1. She praised God as the source of all these blessings. 

2. She realized that the LORD is ultimately in control of national leadership. 

3. She understood the main responsibilities of leadership are to make decisions that are just and to do what is right. 

God blesses us to be a blessing and to point others to Him. 

Psalm 40:3-"He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD."

 

God has something to Say

 Read 1 Kings 9. 

The LORD appeared to Solomon again, just as he did before.  What do we learn about God from this passage? 

1. God hears and answers prayer. (v. 3a)

Solomon's prayer was for God's glory and worship.  It pleased the LORD to respond positively. 

2. God's "eyes and My heart will be there for all time." (v.3b)

The land of Israel, the city of Jerusalem, and the Temple site in particular, have God's special attention.  He has plans for that area today, just as He stated here some 3000 years ago.  Solomon's father, David, wrote in one of his songs, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  May they be secure who love you!" (Psalm 122:6) 

3. God holds individuals accountable for their obedience to Him. (vv.4-9)

Even the king served under God's accountability.  This is true whether a person acknowledges the LORD or not. 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."  (Psalm 19:14)

 

The leader prays for his Nation

 Read 1 Kings 8:22-66. 

What a powerful scene this is!  The Temple was breathtaking.  God displayed His presence and stopped the celebration.  Then, the king of the most powerful nation stood, stretched his hands out toward heaven and publicly prayed. 

There is so much in this prayer about Solomon's understanding of who God is and how the LORD works in the lives of people.  Here are just a few:

-God keeps His promises.

-God shows steadfast love "to your servants who walk before you with all their heart" (v.23).

-God raises up leaders by Divine appointment.  In Solomon's case it was in accord with the promise made to David.

-God hears our prayers and forgives sin.  Such prayer and forgiveness is repeatedly coupled with the people turning from their sin.

-God knows and responds to individuals according to each one's heart (v.39).

-God knows there is no one who does not sin (v.46). 

What is the overriding purpose of this Temple, its dedication, and Solomon's prayer?

"That all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other.  Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day" (vv.60-61).

When God stopped the Service

 Read 1 Kings 8:1-21. 

The construction of the Temple and its surrounding areas were completed.  The furnishings had all been put in their position.  However, the most important part, the Holy of Holies, the place for the Ark of the Covenant, remained empty. Solomon and the Levites understood the care needed to transport the Ark and what this would mean once the priests set it inside the Temple.  As David discovered in a previous move, death could be the result of failing to follow God's clear instructions.  

The Ark was to be transported on poles, carried by the priests.  It contained the two tablets God gave to Moses (the Law).  Then, the visible presence of God, like a cloud, filled the Temple.  The LORD stopped the celebration so they would simply stand in awe of His presence. 

The wings of the cherubim spread out over the precious box.  Once a year, the High Priest (and only the High Priest) was allowed in that sacred spot.  Representing the nation, on the Day of Atonement, he would go in and sprinkle sacrificial blood on top of the Ark.  Therefore, when God looked down at the demands of the law, He saw them through the shed blood of the atoning sacrifice. 

Hebrews 9:22b-"...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."  When Jesus shed His blood on the cross it was the full and final payment for the sin of the world.  "For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24)."  "...he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 9:26b)."

Priority Alert

 Read 1 Kings 6-7. 

Solomon began construction on the Temple in the 4th year of his reign.  Most would be surprised to realize the building itself was only 90'x30'x45'.  All the materials were pre-fitted outside of the city so there were no sounds of hammers or axes during the construction.  The place was incredibly ornate with carvings everywhere and many overlaid with gold.  Including the surrounding areas, it required seven years to build. 

In 6:11, the LORD spoke directly to Solomon again.  Here God reaffirmed the Davidic Covenant to this second generation king.  Though there were clear expectations of Solomon's behavior to enjoy God's blessings, the covenant was everlasting and would not change.  This understanding is crucial because it directly relates to the Messiah ultimately fulfilling that covenant. 

Next, Solomon built his own house.  That project took thirteen years to finish.  This fact in itself is not an indictment against Solomon but a pattern began to develop in this king's life.  While he did a great thing for God, on the other hand he did great or greater things for himself.  As his life unfolded, he became a man with a divided heart for God. 

It is not the size or amount of stuff one possesses, great or small, which gives any indication of one's spiritual priorities.  The determination has to do with one's recognition of their stewardship for any and all that God has given to them.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money." 

The wisest man on earth tried to do both and it often led to behaviors that displeased the LORD.  May the LORD who owns it all and has redeemed us to eternal life, be our consistent priority!