1 Kings 12:24 (KJV)
Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.
Rehoboam’s first response to the rebellion of Israel was to assemble his army and fight. He intended to force them to follow him.
- It was not something his father ever had to do.
- It was not something his grandfather David would have considered doing.
God’s character had not changed.
Really, Israel hadn’t changed either—they were always threatening to divide.
But Solomon had not been faithful to the Lord. God did not change His promise, but He did correct the sin, just as He said He would.
The application for us is simple: the promise of eternal life is unconditional, but that promise does not come with a license to sin. God will chastise sin—often in ways we would never have expected and certainly would not have chosen.
So God’s instructions to Rehoboam were clear: “Ye shall not…fight against your brethren.”
There were subsequent wars between Judah and Israel, and some were justified and necessary. There is a time in all our lives when we must stand for truth. Jude puts it this way: “earnestly contend for the faith.” But that contention must never be for vindication, vengeance, or vindictiveness.
I am glad to report that Rehoboam listened to the preacher and returned home. It could not have been an easy choice.
But almost immediately, Jeroboam showed his true colors and set a pattern that would eventually lead to the demise of the Northern Kingdom.
- We can trust God.
- We must trust God.
#TrustGodsWord #ObedienceOverConflict #GodsChasteningGrace #ContendWithoutCarnality #ReturnAndTrust
Force or Faith? Perhaps Our Hardest Decision
What do you think—was Rehoboam’s decision an act of weakness, or an act of faith?
Leave a comment and share where you see this lesson apply in today’s conflicts, both personal and spiritual.
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