March 15, 2022 - 1 Kings 14-16

In the north, Jeroboam I set up idols and their altars in Israel and encouraged the people to worship in those places. God informed Jeroboam that, though God had exalted him by giving him a kingdom, Jeroboam had “done evil above all who were before” him (14:9). God would judge Jeroboam, would cut off his family, and would give the throne to another. Nadab and Baasha and Elah and Zimri and Omri and Ahab would follow, one family/dynasty after another. Such instability on the northern throne, but what might we expect when the rulers do not follow after God!

In the south, the son of Solomon, Rehoboam, reigned over Judah and Jerusalem, and he and the people “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord” (14:22). Abijam followed Rehoboam and, during his reign, there was idolatry and war. Asa followed and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord . . . [yet] the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the Lord all his days” (15:11,14).

Rather than a hymn, today, it is good that we hear and heed Paul’s instruction: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).