Along The Way - Jeroboam
1 Kings 13-14
Then Jeroboam said in his heart “Now the kingdom will return
to the house of David” (12:26). This was
the beginning of the end for Jeroboam.
This man had a bright future. He
was identified as a leader by King Solomon, and from humble beginnings promoted
to a superintendent over the labor force of the tribe of Joseph (1 Kings
11:28). His story is the story of many believers who started strong but took a
turn when their heart became corrupted.
Central to faithful Christian living is obedience
to the Word of God and an unwavering love for God.
God appointed Jeroboam to be King of the Northern tribes
after the death of Solomon. He ran well at the beginning, but became
self-centered. In wanting the glory for himself and security of his position,
Jeroboam built shrines and symbols of worship (two golden calves), instituted and sanctioned worship back in high places
throughout the land, rendered the Levitical priesthood ineffective by
appointing ordinary citizens as priests, ordered worship in Bethel and Dan versus
Jerusalem. He even made himself high
priest. Later we see Jeroboam raising his hand at God’s prophet when confronted
about his sins. In response, God struck him with temporary paralysis. Surely, pride leads to a fall.
It is important that God’s leaders lead righteously. The
future of nations, cities, churches and homes are at stake. Jeroboam’s actions
caused the people to sin. He too had the opportunity for an enduring kingdom,
but God’s judgment was sure – His entire family was wiped out (1 Kings 14:10
-11).
We should guard our hearts to prevent God’s displeasure upon our own lives, our families and our ministries.
References:
The Life Application Study Bible (NASB ).
The United States of America: Zondervan (2000)
Smith, J. The History of Israel. Joplin, MO: College Press
(1995)
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