Today I read 1 Kings 12, in which Rehoboam, king of Israel, lost 10 of the 12 tribes and Jeroboam encouraged the 10 tribes to worship two golden calves. Today I considered that kindness can take you farther than anger and fear should not lead us to worship the wrong things.
Kind or Angry Words and Actions
Solomon’s son Rehoboam was asked by the people to show kindness but chose anger and lost the people (1 Kings 12:1-24). The people were tired of the burden given to them by Solomon and asked Rehoboam for relief. Rehoboam asked for time to consider. He heard the older men tell him to give them a little relief and speak nicely and they will follow you. The young men told him to be harsher and make their burden worse. Rehoboam chose harshness. The people rebelled saying they get nothing for working for him and went home. When Rehoboam sent Adoram to collect tribute, they stoned Adoram. Rehoboam wanted to go to war to bring the people under his control again but the man of God Shemaiah told them God said not to fight their family. They listened and went home. Benefits and kindness make the difference in individuals following you.
Fear Causing Idol Worship
Jeroboam feared losing power and made false gods as his solution (1 Kings 12:25-33). Jeroboam was ruler over 10 of the 12 tribes. After he built a house to live in, he feared the people going to Jerusalem to worship God and turning to the house of David instead of him. Jeroboam made golden calves and told the people they could worship them instead of going all the way to Jerusalem. He also had a feast similar to those in Jerusalem and even offered burnt offerings to the calves. Do not let fear lead you to worship the wrong things.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
When you consider Rehoboam versus Solomon there was a huge difference. Rehoboam had nothing to offer the people and refused to give them even kindness. Solomon’s wisdom at least offered guidance and direction. Wisdom and answers was and is something people were willing to pay for even today. When considering what someone else was able to receive, consider what that person also gave.
Do you have an example of realizing someone gave more for an item or service than you realized?