Seeking God's Counsel: Lessons from 2 Chronicles 10:1-14:1
March 31
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 10:1-14:1 (NIV)
The passage from 2 Chronicles 10:1 to 14:1 recounts the division of the kingdom of Israel following the death of King Solomon and the reigns of his successors, Rehoboam and Jeroboam. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of seeking worldly counsel over the wisdom of God and the importance of humility and obedience in leadership.
After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascends to the throne of Israel. The people of Israel, burdened by heavy labor and taxation during Solomon's reign, petition Rehoboam for relief. Rehoboam initially seeks counsel from the elders who had served his father, but he rejects their advice and instead listens to the counsel of his peers, who advise him to rule with even greater severity.
One important verse from this passage is found in:
"So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite."
2 Chronicles 10:15 (NIV)
This verse highlights the sovereignty of God over the affairs of kings and kingdoms. Despite Rehoboam's refusal to heed the counsel of the people, God is ultimately in control, fulfilling His purposes through the unfolding events. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of human decisions and actions, God's divine plan prevails.
Rehoboam's pride and stubbornness lead to the division of the kingdom, with ten tribes breaking away to follow Jeroboam as their king. The consequences of Rehoboam's folly are significant, resulting in a fractured nation and ongoing conflict between Israel and Judah.
This passage underscores the importance of seeking God's counsel and wisdom in all aspects of life, especially in matters of leadership and decision-making. Rehoboam's failure to seek God's guidance leads to disastrous consequences, while Jeroboam's ascent to power is marked by rebellion against God's commands and the establishment of idolatrous worship.
As we reflect on this passage, we are challenged to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards leadership and decision-making. Are we humble and open to seeking God's counsel, or do we rely on our own understanding and the wisdom of the world? The story of Rehoboam serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance and the blessings that come from humility and obedience to God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we confess our tendency to rely on our own understanding and the wisdom of the world rather than seeking Your counsel.
Forgive us for our pride and stubbornness, and help us to humble ourselves before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty and wisdom.
Grant us discernment and guidance in our decisions, that we may walk in obedience to Your will and experience Your blessings in our lives.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
