Day 114

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A Divided Kingdom

Scripture

April 23—2 Chronicles 10-12: Rehoboam's Corrupted Reign

Observation

Solomon's vast wealth came from many sources: tribute from neighboring nations, trade with foreign powers, taxation of his own people. Those heavy taxes led to civil unrest that, after Solomon's death, erupted into full-scale civil war. The result was open hostility between the north and south, and the formation of two distinct national entities: Israel (ten northern tribes ruled by Jeroboam) and Judah (two southern tribes ruled by Rehoboam). It was a divided kingdom.

Application

When it comes to dieting, some people will go to great lengths to maintain their great widths. When it comes to hard work, many will stop at nothing. And when it comes to personal revival, some use mighty thin thread to mend their ways. Why? Because it is easier—and less painful—to opt for halfhearted compromise than to pay the price of wholehearted commitment to God.

Rehoboam followed the Lord only as long as it was politically expedient. Once his kingdom was solidly established, he had no further use for the law of the Lord—or the Lord of the law. But in the end, it was Rehoboam who was the loser for his foolish decision.

Think of your life as a shiny new penny. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once. And you cannot spend half a penny—it's an "all or nothing" transaction. Get a penny and hold it in your hand as you talk to God about your life and how you will invest the remaining years of it in his service.

Prayer

Lord, take control of our life because we know you can do more with it than we can. Let us be more dependent on you guiding us and controlling our thoughts and speech so that we act according to your will all the time and therefore increasing our prayer life and desiring to serve you. Thank you, Jesus!

How About Serving God by Feeding the Poor






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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