Be Obedient to the Lord
Solomon’s great wealth mainly came from soaring taxes. After his death, his son Rehoboam must decide if he will continue or cancel the harsh taxation policies of his father. Following foolish advice, Rohoboam increases the tax burden – and thus spawns a national tax revolt. When the dust settled, the united kingdom is no more, and in its place stands a divided kingdom of two distinct nations (Israel and Judah) ruled by two decadent kings, namely Jeroboam and Rehoboam.
Lord, we will Submit to Your Word:
Then the king (Jeroboam) said to
the man of God: Intercede with the
Lord your God and pray for me that
my hand may be restored. So the
man of God interceded with the Lord,
and the king’s hand was restored and
became as it was before (1Kgs 13:6)
The Lord gave (the man of God)
this command: You must not eat
or drink anything while you are
there and do not return to Judah
by the same way you came. But
the old (man) answered: I am a
prophet too just as you are. And
an angel gave me this command
from the Lord: Bring him home
with you so he can have something
to eat and drink. But the old man
was lying to him (1Kings 13:17-18).
Lord, thanks for the lessons from
the divided kingdom, following
foolish advice, Rehoboam raises
tax and spawn a national revolt.
Help us Lord to seek wise counsel;
and help us to cling to Your Word.
Spur us to intercede for those in need
like Elijah for healing of Kg Jeroboam.
Help us Lord to feel your heartbeat
and submit in obedience. Amen.
Lord, help me to obey Your command
to love my enemies and even to
pray for those who are against me.
I know You have heard and answer
the prayers of others for me
when I didn’t deserve it; so help
me to do the same for them too.
Give me the heart of love You have
so that I can pray for people who
disappoint or even hurt me. Amen.
Lord, we tend to compromise much too often, probably because we are uncertain about what You God said. Give me confidence to anchor my faith and obedience in Your words and never to deviate from them. Cultivate in me the tenacity to cling to instructions & assignments that You have given to me. Amen.