Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Kings 12 and Psalm 112

1 Kings 12 is a chapter focussed on the devastating power of bad advice.

On Friday we read in 1 Kings 11 that God had already decided to remove the kingdom from Solomon’s offspring because of his idolatry and accompanying immorality. Only the Southern Tribes of Judah and Benjamin would remain under one of David’s descendants, because of God’s faithfulness to him.

In chapter 12, the author of 1 Kings does a great job of presenting the reality that God’s will often works itself out through our free-will choices. Rehoboam, acting like a 21st century social media user, looked around until he found an echo chamber for his own way of thinking. Instead of following the godly advice of the elders, he turned to those who grew up with him and thus thought about the world the same way he did. On the basis of their “advice”, he chose not to endear himself to his subjects through humble servant-leadership (as advised by the elders), but rather to play the tough guy and threaten his subjects with unprecedented harshness.

The result was pitiful. The “tough guy” Rehoboam ended up fleeing in fear to his stronghold in Jerusalem, and the ten northern tribes of Israel enthroned his rival, Jeroboam, as their king. From that day, the people of God were never again united under a single king.

As the chapter unfolds we observe Rehoboam (in the south) being saved from destruction by a word of godly, prophetic advice from the prophet Shamaiah. But we also see Jeroboam (in the north) seeking the counsel of his own thoughts, i.e. “thinking to himself” (v.26), and coming up with the wretched idea of creating his own religion so that his people would remain faithful to him. He instituted practices and holy months “of his own choosing” (v.33). His self-counsel was horrendous.

As disciples we are faced with decisions every day. We will be tempted to listen to the “advice” of our own desires, and to the “advice” of the opinions of others who say the things we want to hear. But ultimately, as children of God through faith in Jesus, we have access to the One True Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, to the Bible He wrote, and to the words of those in whom He dwells – our fellow disciples. May the Spirit and the Word be our most-trusted Guides – whether through prayer, Scipture or the godly Christians in our lives.

Heeavenly Father, guide me today by Your Spirit and Your Word, so that I may walk in Your ways of righteousness and abundance. Amen.