God raises up, and God takes away. — 1 Kings 11: 29-33, 37-39
I was deeply saddened by this mornings reading in 1Kings.
God appoints Jeraboham to rule over 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel. Dividing the kingdom, because of Solomon’s sin.
1 Kings 11: 29-33 (NIV84): “About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the way, wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone out in the country, 30 and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 Then he said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes. 32 But for the sake of my servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe. 33 I will do this because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Molech the god of the Ammonites, and have not walked in my ways, nor done what is right in my eyes, nor kept my statutes and laws as David, Solomon’s father, did.”
Solomon was given greater blessing from God than any man alive, but he turned from God and forgot Who gave him all things.
Because of Solomon’s sin, the nation of Israel will never be the same it will be divided. We are only one generation removed from David. Yet, here we are!
God is going to give Jeraboham an opportunity to serve Him and to lead.
1 Kings 11:37–39 (NIV84): “However, as for you, I will take you, and you will rule over all that your heart desires; you will be king over Israel. If you do whatever I command you and walk in my ways and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you. I will humble David’s descendants because of this, but not forever.’ ”
Everything we have has been given to us by God. Our sin and moving away from Him will damage others and many generations to come, but our trust and obedience to God will bring blessings – now and for generations to come.
Did you catch verse 39? In spite of Solomon’s sin, because of my servant David…
Wow, let that be me, Father. A man after your heart, who is completely committed to you. One who is humble and when confronted with my sin will confess and repent. And will keep following where God leads no matter the cost.
Clearly, here we see the loss for Solomon and his heritage, but God perserves the promises to David.
Let us be fully committed to Him. Knowing it is Him alone are all things.
Not to us, oh, Lord, but to you belong the glory!
