THE BATTLE OF DECISIONS Posted 1.26.08
1 Kings 12
How many decisions have you made today? This week? This month? Decision-making is a continuous process no matter what your station in life and it can prove to be very difficult at times. 1 Kings 12 provides godly, foundational principles to apply to every decision we make.
SERVE OR SCOURGE (Read 1 Kings 12:1-15)
In previous chapters we have alluded to the unrest among Solomon’s subjects, especially as it related to their work environment. We don’t have many details, but it appears the taxation and workload were extremely burdensome.
As Rehoboam was preparing to take the throne in Israel, he was presented with an offer. The people were willing to serve him, but changes had to be made. Rehoboam asks for three days to work on his solution.
When making decisions, I highly encourage you to give yourself time. I appreciate Rehoboam’s refusal to respond “on the spot.” Of course, the idea is to spend that time in prayer and to seek godly advice. It seems Rehoboam did neither.
He sought advice, but listened to the godless. Be careful who influences you, because even godly, well-meaning people can give you advice that does not line up with God’s best.
As Israel’s most effective and beloved king, David proved that God’s design for servant leadership blessed kingdoms and individuals. When God came to earth in the form of Jesus, He reemphasized this principle.
Unfortunately, Rehoboam chose scourging over serving. He not only refused to work with the people, he threatened to oppress them further.
We may not pull out whips and impose taxes to scourge others, but our tongues can be as damaging. We have the choice on a regular basis to be a blessing or lash out. What is our choice?
When I implored my daughter to run an errand with me early on her day off from school, she could have easily “scourged me” when we arrived thirty minutes prior to opening time (my mistake!). Instead we agreed to go to Starbucks and enjoyed our unexpected moments together!
Our interactions with people are some of the most opportune times to choose service over scourging. Even more important are the way our choices are affect our relationship with God. Rehoboam not only alienated his subjects, he was distancing himself from God. What will your decision be?
Jeroboam, at this point, chose service. He did not bully his way to the throne, but encouraged the people to seek godly change. He gave Rehobaom the chance to follow God and gave God the chance to fulfill His promises as He desired. Service or scourging. The choice is ours.
GOD’S WAY OR MAN’S WAY (Read 1 Kings 12:15-24)
Verse 15 reminds us that God had something to say about this situation. When making decisions, our first question should always be, “Lord, what do you think?” God wanted to restore godly leadership to Israel and used Ahijah in chapter 11 to get that point across. He chose Jeroboam to lead the ten tribes in hopes that David’s family would return to Him.
Our second admonition is: don’t fight against God. Rehoboam surely knew God’s prophecy over Jeroboam. His father (Solomon) tried to kill Jeroboam because of it! In sending out Adoniram and then preparing for war, he was trying to hold on to a kingdom God had no intention of letting him keep.
I was surprised to read commentaries that accused Jeroboam of rebellion here. Chapter 11 conveys God’s plan quite clearly. God would leave only one tribe for Judah (Rehoboam) and give 10 to Jeroboam. Jeroboam was walking in God’s call on his life. Who are we listening to? God or the loudest voice around us?
With Rehoboam God teaches us to make the most of what we’re given. Rehoboam obeyed God’s Word against fighting, and according to 2 Chronicles 11 did a very good job the first few years of ruling Judah. Whether God entrusts us with much or little, our responsibility is to do our very best and continue to seek God’s way.
Every day we must choose between God’s way and man’s way. It is a battle! What will we choose today?
FEAR OR FAITH (Read 1 Kings 12: 25-33)
Jeroboam began his reign as expected, fortifying and building up his home and other parts of the kingdom (verse 25). However, he quickly digresses by distancing himself from the One who made him king, namely God.
Verse 26 says, “Jeroboam thought to himself.” When we begin to entertain negative thoughts apart from God nothing good will follow. Jeroboam did the ultimate “what if” scenario and talked himself right into creating his own religion and ignoring God completely. God promised him so much in chapter 11, yet his fear of losing the kingdom became greater than his faith in the God who gave it to him. Beware of worshipping the gifts and blessings more than the Giver of all good things.
Be careful who you listen to as well. Verse 28 indicates Jeroboam sought advice, and whoever it was obviously led him astray.
Do not doubt the Lord. All Jeroboam had to do was remind himself of God’s Word, God’s Goodness, God’s Power and God’s Call on his life. God is Trustworthy. But Jeroboam chose to fill his mind and life with fear-filled thoughts and people. In what way or area of your life are you tempted to doubt the goodness and power and Word of God?
Do not turn to lies and manipulation – they are the direct result of fear and unbelief. Verses 28-33 explain Jeroboam’s elaborate plans to control the people under his care and keep them dependent upon him. He would keep them away from Jerusalem and fill them with a lifestyle apart from God. How tragic. In what way have lies, manipulation and control tempted you to drift from God? Let us choose God only!
What brings fear in your life? Bring it to God by faith! He is Trustworthy!
The two bright spots in these stories are the prophets Ahijah and Shemaiah. They both chose service over scourging, God’s way over man’s way and faith over fear. I cannot imagine proclaiming to one man the development of a new kingdom (Ahijah in chapter 11), or stopping a war by speaking out God’s Word (Shemaiah in chapter 12). Both situations were life threatening, yet these men decided to follow God’s way alone. How about you?
Decision-making battles rage around us every day. Will you choose to serve or scourge? God’s way or man’s? Faith or fear? With Jesus in the lead we can win each battle one godly decision at a time.