Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“But he disregarded the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, October 27, 2019
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Rehoboam and Jeroboam, both hungry for power, divided the twelve tribes of Israel. Even God’s chosen are only human.
Although we often recognize King Solomon as one of God’s most impressive kings, his reign came with a dark side. King Solomon was a harsh task master, building his temple, wealth, and other public works on the backs of slaves.
Jeroboam was one of the men chosen by Solomon to direct the building of the fortress Millo in Jerusalem. He quickly became aware of the discontent of the people over the harsh conditions that contributed to Solomon’s extravagant lifestyle. He plotted to become king over the ten northern tribes but fled to Egypt when Solomon learned of it.
Once Solomon died, Rehoboam became king and Jeroboam returned to Jerusalem. Jeroboam brought a delegation to Rehoboam to plead for the people that their workload and taxes be lightened. Rehoboam consulted with the elders who advised him to lighten their load. He wasn’t happy with their answer, so he consulted the younger men he had grown up with. They advised him to make the workload even harsher, and he agreed.
When Jeroboam learned of Rehoboam’s intent, he and the ten northern tribes revolted and withdrew to the north. The people made Jeroboam the first king of the northern kingdom, which remained divided for nearly two centuries.
Once Jeroboam (who was in it for power, not for justice) became king, he realized his reign would fail if people followed the biblical decree to pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times each year. So, he forbade them from the pilgrimage and made two golden calves for the people to worship. He placed them in two strategic spots along with armies to stop his people from entering Jerusalem. He established his reign as progressive against the old ways of Judah (the southern kingdom). His militant division of the kingdoms was the end of the unity of the twelve tribes forever. Even God’s chosen, from Saul, David, and Solomon, to Rehoboam and Jeroboam, are only human.
For supplementary preaching resources, please visit our website access point. (Link: bit.ly/proclaim-it-nl)
An
Exceptional
People
Blog Posts
SIGN UP NOW