Seek God First 05.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday May 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read Chapters 10-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read.

biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Chronicles%2010-13&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Rehoboam's reign after Solomon's death, Jeroboam leading a rebellion of the 10 tribes, Rehoboam forsaking the Law of the Lord, and Shishak invading Judah. Today;s message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to seek God first in order to serve Him.

After Solomon's death we see the expected folly of Rehoboam and once again the nation is divided. "And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king......And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him." (II Chronicles 10:1, 12:1).

The leaders of Israel met with Rehoboam with a reasonable request that he ease the excessive taxes his father had imposed upon them. They also asked that he discontinue the forced labor which had persisted since Solomon first began building the luxurious palaces, stables, chariot houses, magnificent parks, and other spectacular structures within his famous kingdom. "And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him." (10:6-8). If Rehoboam would consent, the leaders agreed to pledge their loyalty to him.

However, Rehoboam's first decision as king was a major blunder. His intolerance led most of the tribes to leave and form the northern kingdom. "And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents." (10:16).

Rehoboam was left with only a small part of the original promised land. "And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam." (11:1). Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained under his control. But, how could he have made wise choices, "Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained under his control. But, how could he have made wise choices, So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD." (12:13-14). Notice that it does not say to serve the Lord, it was not better service that God expected, it was for Rehoboam to seek Him.

The same spiritual principles hold true today and can be seen as the difference between serving Jesus and hearing His Word. "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42).

Though we may be unaware of it, if we humbly seek the Lord, our lives will be guided by His Spirit to accomplish His perfect will and purpose. "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the gold candlestick. (II Chronicles 13:11). Jesus is the Light of the world, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5-6).

Today's Psalm: 9:10
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Lord, you are so mighty. We thank you that we don't have to fear a single thing in this world. You are in control. You have a plan. And best of all, you love us and want to spend eternity with us. Everything on this world that we care about could fall apart, and it would be hard, but we know we could get through it with your help. Not only could we get through it, but we could come out on the other side a better person, closer to you. Thank you for that security and freedom. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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