Jeroboam – Opportunity abused Part III
1Kings 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 Parts I & II we saw the beginnings of Jeroboam the leader of the tribe of Joseph. Now that he had part of the split kingdom, he quickly devised a plan to consolidate his throne. Many clever maneuvers of men are driven by seeking power and maintaining the authority they want over men.
1Ki 12:26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. 31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.
This man was afraid to lose power and so he set up false altars at convenient places so people would not go to Jerusalem and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. Many still do this … so many Churches have risen up …the main strategy of their evangelism is to stop followers from finding the truth …so they expand rapidly ..spreading junk. Offering show biz, glamour, ease and motivational self-improvement seminars which preserve the flesh and embrace worldliness …these are done with such zeal …but this is nothing but wickedness and abuse of power.
Jeroboam ends up being the standard in evil Kings, as David was the standard in righteousness. He ended up badly as well as his entire household. It became apparent that he was a choice of God to judge not just Solomon but the wicked people he also ruled. May God have mercy on us. May God help us to see our wrong and expose the wickedness in our hearts. Do not be deceived. God is never mocked. The fruits of the wickedness of men will always be harvested. It did not matter that this was the tribe of Ephraim … This tribe that was so specially chosen and elevated …it seems perfected the abuse of God’s grace and special love. The fact that God blessed us specially is not enough. May we not be chosen for judgment but chosen only for mercy and glory. If we hearken to God’s commandment and love His statutes, our end will be good. How it must pain God that the house of Ephraim descends this low. Be watchful. What are your motives for ministry? It may take decades …but we surely reap the fruits of wickedness if all we have sown are evil seeds.
Song.
Breathe on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God, Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me – Glows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God, So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life – Of Thine eternity.
Prayer : Father, let my priority be ever to honor and 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
