How can we apply Rehoboam's approach to decision-making in our daily lives? Rehoboam’s Pause: 1 Kings 12:5 “Rehoboam answered, ‘Go away for three days and then return to me.’ So the people departed.” Observing the Principle of Deliberate Delay • Rehoboam did not answer in the heat of the moment. • He created space to think, pray, and consult. • Related counsel: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). Why the Pause Matters Today • Reduces rash words we later regret (Proverbs 29:20). • Allows emotions to settle so wisdom can rise (Proverbs 14:29). • Gives time to seek God’s will rather than our impulse (Psalm 46:10). Seeking Counsel—The Next Step Rehoboam Took • Verse 6: he consulted his father’s seasoned advisers. • Verse 8: he also listened to peers—with disastrous results when he followed them. Guidelines for God-Honoring Counsel • Look for advisers who fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). • Ensure counsel aligns with Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • Value experience and proven faithfulness (Proverbs 20:29). • Avoid echo chambers that merely confirm our desires (2 Timothy 4:3). Weighing Conflicting Advice • Pray for discernment—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). • Measure every opinion by God’s unchanging Word (Psalm 119:105). • Consider long-term consequences, not short-term ease (Luke 14:28). • Beware pride; Rehoboam’s downfall began when he sought applause over obedience (Proverbs 16:18). Putting It into Practice 1. Pause before major decisions—set a specific time frame to seek God. 2. Write the decision, Scriptures consulted, and pros/cons; clarity grows in writing. 3. Invite at least one mature believer to speak candidly. 4. Compare all input with the Bible—truth is the final filter. 5. Choose obedience even if it feels harder or less popular. 6. Act promptly once convinced, trusting God for the outcome (Joshua 1:9). Encouragement from Other Passages • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15) • “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart.” (Psalm 27:14) Closing Thoughts Rehoboam’s initial pause was wise; his later choice of ungodly counsel was not. Imitate his delay, surpass him in discernment, and anchor every decision in God’s infallible Word. |
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