TOPIC: No Excuse For Disobedience
Opening Prayer: Lord, I pray that you lead me into your truth as I meditate on your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: 1 Kings 14:21–31
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Message: In the Southern kingdom, things were not better. Compare vv.23–24 with 12:28–31, noting the similarities and differences. Jeroboam thought he had a valid excuse (12:26–27), but what excuse could Rehoboam have for setting up new places of worship? Jerusalem was his capital, and the magnificent temple was available for worship.
READ: Our Daily Bread 31 October 2020 – Sticks, Bricks, and God
However, his tilt towards idolatry should not surprise us. With so many wives, Solomon, his father, could not have had quality time with his children. Rehoboam would not have been properly taught the fear of the Lord. His mother, being an Ammonite (vv.21, 31), may have instead taught him to worship Molech leading to his detestable practices. This is a clear warning against unequal yoke and to ‘busy’ parents, especially, fathers. God brought judgment to Judah through Shishak (vv.25–26). He did to the treasures of the temple what God had warned he would do (9:6–7). If we refuse to honour the Lord with the rich gifts he makes available to us, we should not be surprised if they are taken away from us. Notice that the king did not abandon the house of the Lord. What steps did he take to “make–believe” that all is well? Are we also keeping up appearances of being spiritual while provoking God with our sins?
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• Reflection: Practical and personal godliness is the truth on display and those who do not know our God will be drawn to faith as they see what He is really like through us.
Prayer
• Dear Lord, help me to take seriously the message and warning from your word.
• Pray and commit the work and studies of the coming week into God’s hand.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 40:2
Read the Bible in one Year
2 Sam. 19–20; 2 John
READ: Billy Graham Devotional 31st October 2020 – Hope For The Future
Scripture Union Daily Guide 31st October 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
