1st Kings 11:14-43
TURNED AWAY The choices we make have consequences that are very far reaching at times. The more responsible a role one has whether it is in a family, an assembly or a nation, the farther one's influence for good or evil spreads. Solomon did not turn away from God all at once. His spiritual coldness began when he took the first step away by marrying the Egyptian princess. The first step away may not seen all that serious, but unchallenged sin soon spreads. When Solomon heart was turned away, he soon turned to other gods. Then he turned to participate to the extent he built high places to other gods even though he had built the temple of the Lord. Then he turned away from God's word; turned to antagonism and murderous intent against one chosen by God; and ultimately his turning away from truth, righteousness and God led to his son turning away even further. How careful we must be when we are called by God to remain in close fellowship with Him. Our relationship as children of God is secure when we have accepted Christ as our Savior, but our fellowship with God must be maintained and nurtured through His word and fellowship with His people.
During the reign of David, the men of war of Edom were killed. Others were taken captive and others escaped to Egypt among whom was Hadad. The Egyptian Pharaoh was reluctant to have Hadad go back to Edom because Egypt had good relations with Israel - perhaps because of his daughter who married Solomon. Hadad is name is the name of a pagan god. Rezon took over the leadership of Damascus in Syria, and even though David's control over Syria left Solomon territorial control north to the Euphrates River, he did not control Damascus. Because of Solomon's compromising actions, the Lord raised up the men as adversaries to bring Solomon in repentance back to faith in the Living God. Compromise always has a sinful effect that cannot be stopped without true repentance and a turning back to God from the heart.
A third adversary was Jeroboam from the tribe of Ephraim who was an industrious supervisor of the laborers Solomon conscripted from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph. A corridor of land that included Gezer which Pharaoh gave to his daughter, Solomon's wife, and the land of the Gibeonites who Joshua had left to them, separated the northern tribes of Israel from the tribes of Judah and Simeon. The Lord had intended the kingdom of David to be maintained but it was in danger of being destroyed because of Solomon turning away from God. For David's sake the Lord allowed David's descendants to continue to reign in Jerusalem. Sin that is not judged and departure that is not repented of has very negative effects on the generations following those who turned away in the first place. If we are not willing to follow the Lord, and maintain the heritage He has given us on His terms, we too will lead others to go in a path that will be felt for generations to come.
When Ahijah met Jeroboam and divided his garment into twelve pieces, Jeroboam knew what that meant. There would be strife between brethren. One man's action changed the course of the nation and the effects are still seen today. The same covenant terms that God had given to Solomon were given to Jeroboam. The status and power of David's kingdom was diminished but for David's sake it would not continue forever. When "David's Greater Son" comes to rule and reign, there will be a full recovery to the terms of the covenant. Zion will be the place from which He will rule the affairs of the nations. The Messiah will have a reunited kingdom and the house of David will not fail under the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Solomon apparently knew of Ahijah's prophecy but was so far away from God that he sought to kill Jeroboam in his resistance against the Lord. It may have been that Jeroboam was overly anxious to take over the northern kingdom ahead of God's timing, and had to flee to Egypt until Solomon died. The tragedy of turning away from the revealed will of God cannot be over-emphasized because its effects are so long- lasting. It is incumbent on us to make sure we are in fellowship with our Lord, and if anything arises or pressures come upon us to compromise the truth of God, we will not yield to them. The effects of turning away from God are felt all across the whole evangelical world today to the extent that many who claim to be children of God have never come in repentance to God. Some change their lifestyle a bit and others don't even bother with that, and still say they have been born again with no signs of new life in Christ.
One the other hand, some who have been saved by God's grace and have been given the relationship of a child of God by faith in Jesus Christ, do get away from God because of allowing a little sin in their lives to continue. Our confession of sin doesn't bring about forgiveness of sin. That has been secured in the work of Christ whose "blood cleanseth us from all sin." The confession of sin restores our fellowship with God so we can "walk in the light" with Him and enjoy the blessings of our salvation.
1Kings 12:8. “But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:”
BE A SERVANT. Misunderstanding the role, you fill in life
Leads to unfortunate consequences often leading to strife It can happen in nations, even between husband and wife – Your main role is to be a servant to others.
To think leadership is your calling as an end in itself Or to use it in some way to accumulate wealth – Will end in not only you, but others being put on a shelf – You neglected to serve your sisters and brothers.
God established leadership as a way to maintain orderly conduct It is needed in homes and churches; even factories to make a product Each needing a standard to go by that is not based on luck – You are called to be spiritual fathers.
When you need counsel, ask it of those who care. Over years of faithful service, they have already been there. They know what works right and what burdens leaders bear – You ask their counsel when you’re together.
Good leaders know their role is to be the people’s servant. It is an honorable task in life given to those who earn it. You can learn from older people by being quite observant – You will learn wisdom that will stay with you forever.
Younger leaders need to learn that if you start off right, People will follow you as a leader who is walking in the light. Instead of being divisive their fellowship will be tight – You have been a servant who succeeds in his endeavor.
“O Great Shepherd of the sheep: grant that those who go before Thy people will serve with the heart of a shepherd. Help them understand they are stewards of those for whom Thou hast paid the greatest possible price. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”