How can we apply Rehoboam's story to decision-making in our own lives? Setting the Scene: Rehoboam’s Fork in the Road 2 Chronicles 10:12: “After three days Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had instructed: ‘Return to me on the third day.’” • Rehoboam stands on the brink of his reign, holding the same inspired Scriptures his forefathers trusted. • The people plead for lighter burdens. His choice—compassion or harshness—will either knit the kingdom together or tear it apart. • The passage is historically true and spiritually authoritative; what it records about decision-making still guides believers today. The People-Pleaser’s Trap • Rehoboam’s opening words sound accommodating: “Return to me on the third day.” He appears open, yet his heart is already leaning toward self-advantage. • Proverbs 29:25 reminds that the fear of man is a snare. Decisions driven by the desire to appear strong or popular invariably miss God’s wisdom. • Application: allow Scripture, not shifting crowds, to set the standard for every choice—large or small. The Value of Seeking Wise Counsel • Rehoboam asks two groups for advice (2 Chronicles 10:6-9). The elders urge servant-leadership; his peers urge domination. • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Only counsel aligned with God’s revealed truth is truly wise. • Application list: – Weigh counsel against explicit Scripture. – Prioritize voices proven by faithful experience and godly character. – Refuse advice that contradicts clear biblical principles, no matter how attractive. Listening to the Wrong Voices: A Heart Check • Rehoboam rejects seasoned counsel because it conflicts with his pride. James 1:14 shows that temptation springs from desires within. • Galatians 6:7 promises we reap what we sow. Harshness toward the people produces revolt; humble service would have produced loyalty. • Application: before deciding, examine motives in light of passages like Psalm 139:23-24, confessing any selfish intent. How to Guard Your Own Decision Gate • Invite God’s wisdom at the outset—James 1:5 guarantees it to those who ask in faith. • Slow down decisions when stakes are high; haste blinds discernment (Proverbs 19:2). • Anchor every option to the character of Christ—Matthew 11:29 shows His gentleness and humility as the model for leadership. • Keep eternal consequences in view; kingdom stewardship outweighs short-term gain (Matthew 6:33). Walking in Christ’s Wisdom • Unlike Rehoboam, Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). In Him, believers find the perfect pattern and the empowering Spirit to follow it. • Building on His words is building on rock (Matthew 7:24). Each decision made on that foundation stands firm, and each life influenced by those decisions is blessed. |
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