1 Kings 14

Bible Passage:  1 Kings 14

God chose Jeroboam to be the king over Israel (I Kings 11:31, 37). Even the wisest King Solomon esteemed Jeroboam for his capability (I Kings 11:28).

This Chapter spells out the words of judgment from God to be lashed out at Jeroboam and his households. Jeroboam was named the first but one of the most evil kings of Israel, for in God’s eyes, he has done ‘more evil than all who were before him’ (v9). If there was one literal way for us to establish the extent of Jeroboam’s evil deeds during his reign, the verse ‘… the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he had committed to make Israel sin…’ appears for at least 22 times in both (I and II) books of the Kings (e.g. in I Kings 15:34; 16:19, 26; 22:52 and etc.).

God gave Jeroboam a chance to turn away from his evil deeds, through the message brought by the man of God (I Kings 13). Sadly, not only did Jeroboam detest such warning, he hadn’t had the slightest intention to repent after his withered hand was healed.

In what way has Jeroboam provoked God’s wrath?

It was Jeroboam’s unbelief!

Last Sabbath, the Speaker exhorted the congregation through the study of Israelite’s journey at the wilderness. The study of the book of Exodus early this year led us to see how the Israelites were many a time not only discontent with God’s provisions but disobedient to God’s commandments. Such unbelief has led to their subsequent destruction (Ref Heb 3:16-19). The Speaker shared being “unbelief”, while literally we may read it as not believing in God’s existence, it actually refers to people’s disobedient to God’s words and disregard to God’s sovereignty.

Because of his unbelief towards God’s promise, Jeroboam “created” gods (i.e. two calves of gold) and places for people to worship these gods (I Kings 12:28-29). He went on to ordain priests and feasts, all according to his own will in order fulfill his political and personal agenda (12:32-33). He disregarded God’s commandments and showed not even the slightest respect to God’s sovereignty. How foolish!

“I am the LORD your God…. You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Ex 20:2-3)

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God….” (Ex 20:4-5)

God hates idolatry (Col 3:5-6). The same Speaker I mentioned above also shared with us how the Israelites were killed by the plague (Numbers 25), having been lured by the women of Moab to worship idols and committed sexual immorality.

While we may not have worshipped a physical idol per se, do we have other gods in us -the invisible force that drives us to crave for more wealth, power and status? What about same little voice in our head – “well, just this one last time, nobody knows anyway…” – which prevented us to lay aside all the evil deeds, thoughts and bad habits in the eyes of God.

What God requires of the Chosen One?

“… if you heed all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments… then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house…” (I Kings 11:37-38)

“… listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land…” (Deut 4:1)

God requires a heart of absolute obedience (to his commandments) from our end.

The commandments that were passed on over the generations are in fact the source of all wisdom and understanding (Deut 4:6). What, other than the word of God, can lighten-up our path in life (Ps 109:105)?

In our life, we are bound to come across crossroads of many names, trials of different forms and pressures of different extent. At times of likes, the value of wisdom shines – only if we treasure such wisdom (i.e. His words and commands). Meaning, if we were to observe and honor God and His ways in all that we do, He will grant us the wisdom, guard our path and preserve our life. (Prov 2:1-12).

May He grant us a heart of total reliance, absolute obedience and infinite trust in Him.

We are the chosen race, the very own special people of God (I Pet 2:9). Let’s keep ourselves in the love and grace of God, until the day He comes. Amen.