Don't Be Like Jeroboam: Embracing Faithfulness to God
The life of Jeroboam, a figure in the Old Testament who serves as a warning for us. His story illustrates the dangers of self-serving knowledge, lack of faith in God's Word, substituting human wisdom for divine guidance, and prioritizing convenience over truth. Let us learn from his mistakes and be inspired to live lives that are faithful and obedient to God's Word.
Devastating Effects of Jeroboam’s Religion:
- Corrupts the image of Jehovah (12:28)
- Brought forth sin
- 24 verses that specifically mention “Jeroboam” and “sin”
- 14 verses that use the phrase: “sins of Jeroboam”
- none of the northern kings ever repudiated the sins of Jeroboam
Jeroboam’s Change Was Sin
- changes worship (place; object; etc., 12:29, 30)
- changes the priesthood (12:31; 13:33, 34)
- changes the day of worship (12:32, 33)
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I. Self-Serving Knowledge (1 Kings 12:26)
Jeroboam's downfall began with his self-serving approach to knowledge. Rather than seeking God's guidance and wisdom, he relied on his own understanding to establish his rule. He trusted in his intellect and ideas instead of surrendering to God's divine plan. This self-centered mindset led him astray, causing him to set up golden calves as objects of worship to consolidate his power.
II. Little or No Faith in the Word of God (1 Kings 12:27; 11:35-38)
Jeroboam's lack of faith in God's promises and Word proved to be his undoing. Despite God's clear assurance through the prophet Ahijah that He would establish Jeroboam's kingdom if he walked in obedience, Jeroboam's unbelief prevailed. Instead of trusting in the Lord's faithfulness, he allowed fear and insecurity to guide his decisions. He failed to see the fulfillment of God's Word in his life due to his lack of faith.
III. Substitutes Human Wisdom in Place of God's (1 Kings 12:28; Isaiah 30:1)
Jeroboam sought human wisdom instead of relying on God's divine guidance. He turned to his own counsel and the advice of his advisors, ignoring the true wisdom found in seeking the Lord's will. In doing so, he disregarded the essential truth that God's ways are higher than human ways and that relying on human wisdom can lead to disastrous consequences.
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IV. Appeals to Convenience Rather Than Truth (1 Kings 12:28)
Perhaps the most significant mistake Jeroboam made was prioritizing convenience over truth. Fearing that the Israelites would return to Jerusalem to worship, he established golden calves in Bethel and Dan, making worship more convenient for the people. However, this act went against God's explicit commandments and led the people into idolatry.
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Conclusion:
Jeroboam's life serves as a stark warning for us. Let us not fall into the same traps of self-serving knowledge, unbelief in God's Word, reliance on human wisdom, and prioritizing convenience over truth. Instead, let us strive to be faithful and obedient to God's commands, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives.
May we trust in God's promises and stand firm in faith, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His Word. Let us humble ourselves before the Lord, seeking His counsel in prayer and studying His Word diligently. By doing so, we can avoid the mistakes of Jeroboam and walk in the abundant blessings and grace that come from obeying God.
As we reflect on Jeroboam's story, may we be encouraged to live lives of faithfulness and devotion to the Lord. Let us trust in His divine wisdom, follow His Word with conviction, and embrace the truth even when it's inconvenient. In doing so, we will experience the abundant life that comes from walking in the ways of our faithful God
