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, thanks for the lessons from
1Kgs 12-16 on the divided kingdom
following taking on foolish advice.
We learnt that Israel had taken
her relationship with God for granted
and neglected her responsibility
to reveal God to the world around.
Help us to Seek Wise Counsel.
Help us to Cling to Your Word.
Help us to Submit to Obedience.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Lord, we will Seek Wise Counsel:
Jeroboam & the whole assembly of
Israel went to speak with Rohoboam.
Your father was a hard master,
they said: Lighten the heavy taxes
that your father imposed on us…
The older counsellors replied: If you
are willing to be a servant to these
people and give them a favourable
answer, they will always be your loyal
subjects. But Rehoboam rejected
the advice of the older men and
asked the opinion of young men who
had grown with him (1Kgs 12:3-8)
Lord, grant us the humility to seek
counsel from those who are wiser &
more experienced; rather than think
they don’t understand us. Help us
evaluate advice carefully, whether
it’s realistic, workable & consistent
with biblical principles. Amen.
Lord, we will Cling to Your Word:
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 (1Kings 13:17-18).
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 promises and assignments
that You have given to me. Amen.
Lord, we Submit to Obedience:
In the 20th year of Jeroboam king of
Israel, Asa became king over Judah..
Asa did what was right in the eyes
of the Lord… & removed all the idols
that his fathers made (1Kgs 15:9-12)
In the 38th year of Asa king of Judah,
Ahab son of Omri became king of
Israel… Ahab did more evil in the
eyes of the Lord than any of those
before him… He also married
Jezebel and began to serve Baal
and worship him (1Kgs 16:29-31).
Lord, as Christians we have invited
You to reign in our hearts & minds.
Even so, there are always thoughts,
desires & old habits trying to regain
control of our minds. Help us ignore
temptation and take captive every
thot to make it obedient to Christ.
Help us to do what is right in the
eyes of the Lord. In His name, Amen