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August 7, 2018

2 Chronicles 10:15-17

So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:
“What share do we have in David,
what part in Jesse’s son?
To your tents, Israel!
Look after your own house, David!”
So all the Israelites went home. But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them.

New International Version (NIV)

What do you do when you find yourself in the hot seat? Robert Fulghum, famous for his book, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” wrote another book entitled, “It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It.”   The Kingdom of Israel was certainly on fire when Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, came on the scene. Unfortunately, he did not make the situation better.

                Have you noticed that sometimes we inherit messes, and sometimes we make them worse? Rehoboam somehow did both. He inherited a mess from his father Solomon. After all the good Solomon did, he turned his back on the Lord and followed the idolatry of his wives. Solomon built so much in part because he used forced labor. By the time Rehoboam ascended the throne of Israel, people were tired. Instead of easing the burden as the people asked, Rehoboam decided to follow the motto, “The beatings will continue until the morale improves.” This made it worse. The northern tribes abandoned Rehoboam and he barely escaped with his life and the southern Kingdom of Judah (10:18).

                What problems have you inherited? Are you making them better or worse? In a fallen and broken world choices we make matter. The voice which tells us to demand more of others may sound good but still lead us down the wrong path. Life is often on fire. Whatever you do, do not try to extinguish it with gasoline. It never works. Grace is always a good way to go. God has been good to us. We should be kind to others. When we are kind, it may well turn out better than we thought it might.

Pray with me:

Father, give us wisdom today for the difficult decisions we must make. We would like your answer written in the sky. It seems it would be easier if you hit us with a frying pan to show us your will. Thank you for your patience with us. Continue to teach us to trust. When we do not know what to do, help us to keep our eyes directly on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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