In what ways can we avoid the pitfalls seen in Rehoboam's life? Rehoboam in a Nutshell “And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the City of David. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. And Abijam his son reigned in his place.” (1 Kings 14:31) Rehoboam’s forty-one-year reign began with promise but ended with division, idolatry, and spiritual drift. His story offers clear warnings and equally clear remedies for anyone who wants to finish well. Lesson 1: Seek Wise Counsel, Not Echo Chambers 1 Kings 12:6-11 shows Rehoboam rejecting the seasoned advice of the elders and embracing the flattery of his peers. • Proverbs 11:14—“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Proverbs 15:22—Plans thrive on godly input. • To avoid this pitfall: – Invite input from mature believers who answer to Scripture, not to your ego. – Test every suggestion against God’s Word (Acts 17:11). – Resist the pull of voices that merely echo your preferences (2 Timothy 4:3). Lesson 2: Stay Anchored in God’s Word 2 Chronicles 12:1 records that “Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and had strengthened himself, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD.” • Deuteronomy 17:18-20 called every king to copy the Law by hand and read it daily—Rehoboam didn’t. • Psalm 1:1-3 shows the blessing of continual meditation on Scripture. Practical safeguards: • Schedule unhurried time in the Word before tackling daily demands. • Memorize and rehearse key passages that speak to current temptations. • Let Scripture, not circumstances, set your priorities. Lesson 3: Guard Against Idolatry in All Forms 1 Kings 14:22-24 describes Judah under Rehoboam as committing “all the abominations” of the nations. • Exodus 20:3 reminds us, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” • 1 John 5:21 exhorts, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Modern application: • Identify anything—career, relationships, comfort—that competes with wholehearted worship. • Replace compromising influences with Christ-honoring habits (Colossians 3:5). • Keep public worship and private devotion central, not optional. Lesson 4: Respond to God’s Discipline with Humility When Egypt invaded, Rehoboam’s kingdom was plundered (1 Kings 14:25-28). God’s discipline was an invitation to repent. • Hebrews 12:6—“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” • Rehoboam did humble himself temporarily (2 Chronicles 12:6-7), yet failed to persevere. Staying soft-hearted: • View setbacks as divine course corrections, not random misfortune. • Confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate ongoing humility—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Putting It into Practice • Saturate your mind daily with Scripture; let truth set the agenda. • Maintain a circle of godly friends who can speak hard truths in love. • Conduct regular heart checks for modern idols—ambition, entertainment, even ministry itself. • Welcome God’s corrective hand and adjust quickly when He reveals drift. • Keep eternity in view, longing to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). A Better Legacy Rehoboam’s final epitaph is brief and tragic. Our story can read differently. By treasuring God’s Word, valuing godly counsel, rejecting idols, and embracing humble obedience, we sidestep the snares that ensnared him and leave behind a testimony that honors the King of kings. |
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