ESOCS Devotional 14 March 2023
TEXT: 1 KINGS 12:25-END
MEMORY VERSE: “And Jeroboam said in his heart, now shall the Kingdom return to the House of David.” 1 Kings 12:26 KJV
God had clearly told Jeroboam that he would give him this new nation. God was turning the kingdom over to Jeroboam. God had rejected Solomon because of his sins and was giving the nation to Jeroboam, calling upon him to rule righteously and God would establish this nation under him. But look at what Jeroboam thinks to himself in 1 Kings 12:26: “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David.” God had promised Jeroboam this kingdom. No sooner has Jeroboam begun to rule over this kingdom and he is fearful that he is going to lose the kingdom. Rather than rely on God’s promise, Jeroboam relies on himself. As we are going to notice, Jeroboam comes up with a plan to try to protect his kingdom rather than trusting in the word of the Lord.
This is the basis of our disobedience. We refuse to trust in the word of the Lord. We refuse to believe what God is promising us. Rather than believing that there is eternal life awaiting us, we seek to find rest and joy in this world, neglecting the promise of God. Therefore, we listen to our own thoughts and desires and try to accomplish our plans rather than trusting in God’s plan.
We use our wisdom and impose it on God’s plan and think we are doing the will of the Lord. Actually, we are doing what we want to do, but are calling it worship to the Lord.
Rather than trusting in God, Jeroboam comes up with his own plan. Therefore, Jeroboam establishes worship centers in the towns of Dan and Bethel, toward the northern and southern ends of the nation, so that the people would not go to Judah for worship.
- How often do you think you are trusting in the Lord by trying to help God out?
- Help me o Lord to depend and rely on you totally for my sustenance through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Exodus 7:14-44; Mark 3:7-18; 1 Thess. 4:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 14 March 2023
