Jeroboam – Opportunity abused Part II
1Ki 11:28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.
In Part I we saw the beginnings of Jeroboam the leader of the tribe of Joseph. Hardworking and industrious he was but the prophet who prophesied he would be King also encouraged him to hearken to all the commandments of God as did … keeping his statutes and commandments.
1Ki 11:38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
David was not perfect. But he loved the Lord and kept his statutes and commandments. The corollary to this encouragement was that if Jeroboam did as Solomon did …he would also end badly. Jeroboam soon flees to Egypt to avoid being killed by Solomon. But Jeroboam was a very bad ruler who refuses to heed the warning…he is now obsessed with the power that has been promised to him and diligently begins to plot his eventual ascension.
Not once do we see any interest to worship God or to serve Him. Jeroboam does not seek the face of the Lord. He waits until after Solomon’s death, the people of Israel rebelled against the house of David and invited him to be king. The tribe of Ephraim has produced a king in a split kingdom. Jeroboam takes advantage of this evil division ordained by God to retain power at all costs. Jeroboam built Shechem into a beautiful capital and dwelt therein. He now proceeds with his evil plans.
I pray none reading this devotional will end up like this wicked Ephraimite. I pray when opportunities come to you, you will remember God. I pray you will seek His face and meditate over his commandments – day and night and seek to please him. I pray you will not be deceived by early successes and a track record of diligence. Be a man after God’s heart. May you be like David who thirsted for God. Men who thirst for power instead of God are easily corrupted.
Song.
As the deer, panteth for the waters so my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart desire and I long to worship thee
You alone are my strength and shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
You’re my friend and you are my brother even though you are a King
I love you more than any other – so much more than anything
You alone are my strength and shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
Prayer : Father, let my priority not be power but to worship you. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
