What can we learn about human nature from Jeroboam's actions in 1 Kings 12:28? \Verse in Focus: 1 Kings 12:28\ “After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, ‘Going to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” \Jeroboam’s Heart on Display\ • Fear of losing power—v. 26 mentions his worry that “the kingdom might revert to the house of David.” • Calculated manipulation—he “sought advice,” but only counsel that justified his agenda. • Convenience over covenant—“Going to Jerusalem is too much for you.” He makes disobedience easy. • Religious spin—borrows Exodus language (“who brought you up out of Egypt,” cf. Exodus 32:4) to give sin a sacred veneer. • Manufacturing idols—repeats the very calf-worship that had once provoked God’s wrath. \What This Reveals About Human Nature\ • Self-preservation instinct can eclipse obedience (Proverbs 29:25). • We readily seek affirming voices instead of godly counsel (2 Timothy 4:3). • The heart is “deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9); it can dress rebellion in religious language. • Sin often sells itself as reasonable and convenient (Proverbs 14:12). • Idolatry begins with distrust of God’s sufficiency (Romans 1:21-25). • Our choices influence others—for good or ill (Luke 17:1-2). \Cross-Scripture Echoes\ • Exodus 32:1-8—golden calf at Sinai; same sin, same words. • Deuteronomy 12:5—God’s explicit command to worship “at the place the LORD your God will choose.” • Galatians 1:10—seeking human approval versus pleasing God. • Matthew 6:24—no one can serve two masters. \Lessons for Today\ 1. Guard against fear-based decisions; remember God’s promises (Isaiah 41:10). 2. Test counsel by Scripture, not popularity. 3. Beware of “easier” paths that bypass obedience. 4. Watch your words—religious language can’t sanctify disobedience. 5. Recognize the ripple effect of your choices on family, church, and culture. \Practical Guardrails\ • Daily Scripture intake to shape thinking (Psalm 119:11). • Transparent accountability with mature believers (Hebrews 3:13). • Regular self-examination before God (Psalm 139:23-24). • Immediate repentance when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). |
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