1 Kings – Chapter 12

But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. 1 Kings 12:8 – But…If you’ve heard me preach you’ve likely heard me talk about the word “but” in the Bible. It’s often the word used when scripture is about to tell of a change in the story. This “but” in the Bible not only ushers in the change within this chapter, but begins the change of the entire course of the nation of Israel’s history. King Rehoboam had a choice, listen to the solid counsel of the wise, older men in his life or to listen to the young, foolish men in his life on how to handle his reign as king. He should have listened to the wisdom of the older men…but…he didn’t, and that choice cost him greatly and the nation of God’s people was never the same. It can be frightening to see how greatly one decision can impact not only your future but the future of many others around you. Let your story then not be one of submitting to foolish counsel. Find yourself under the counsel of scripture and of the wise, loving, faithful people in your story. In this chapter we see Rehoboam destroying a kingdom because of listening to foolish counsel, and we Jeroboam leading an entire nation into idolatry because he only took counsel with himself. Likely you have witnessed firsthand the destruction that followed someone listening to foolish counselors. Be aware then of the influential voices in your story. The friends, podcasts, news sources, and spiritual leaders in your life have a tremendous impact on our life choices. Let your story be one of, “The world around them chose the foolish path…but…they chose the faithful, wise path that honored the Lord.” I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3056

1 Kings 12 Daily DEVO If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 1 Kings 12:27-28 – Don’t ever let the fear of losing your position lead you to comprising someone else’s pursuit of God. This could look like a pastor not speaking the truth to someone about their sin because that person has power in the church. This could be a student who chooses not to stand up for their faith in school because they fear the social suicide that would follow. Jeroboam was willing to leave people, and even lead them, into sin to keep his position and power. Don’t let that be you. Trust God will take care of you with position and power as you take the risk of helping people away from thier sin. Remember in this world people pursuing Jesus is worth more than a position of power. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1013

Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one. 1 Kings 12:30 – Fearful he was going to lose the kingdom, the new king of Israel Jeroboam made two golden calves as objects for the people to worship. He placed them in separate areas of his kingdom so people could come and worship these new “gods.” This then became a sin for the people. Understand, in themselves, golden calves aren’t sinful. Literally they are a chunk of gold, nothing else special about it. Yet, when shaped with the purpose to turn people away, when accredited the victory for our salvation, and when worshipping by us, even chunks of metal can become sin to us. Be wise then in how you handle things that have the possibility of “becoming sin” for you. Money, relationships, power, things. In themselves they are not sinful, but like a golden calf, we can handle them in sinful ways if we aren’t careful. Is there then anything in your story right now that is being handled improperly and as a result become sinful for you? Lay that down at the feet of Jesus. Come to God in prayer, speak with Him about how you have handled this blessing poorly, and re-submit yourself to His lead and purpose. God is the only one in all existence worthy of our worship. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2196