Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+020

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 20 (ESV)

1 After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord…

13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s…

22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.

24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Judah was facing national calamity. Jehoshaphat commanded all the people of Judah to fast before God for a period of time. They saved the time for preparing and eating meals to focus on self-examination and repentance, and asking God for help. Suffering of hunger makes us think about sin, reminds us of our weaknesses, and helps us to rely on God more. Fasting is still an effective means that helps us seek for God’s will in special situations nowadays. Have you experienced fasting and prayer? If not, will you consider to try it on praying for some important matter?
2. When enemies approached Judah, God spoke comforting words through Jahaziel, telling the people victory depends on God, not on man. Although we don’t have to fight our enemies with sword and gun nowadays, we have to battle with difficulties, pressure, and temptations from Satan. Satan wants us to rebel against God but please remember that as Christians, God’s spirit is dwelling in us. When we face struggles and ask God for help, He will fight for us and we are more than conquerors through Him. Are you in the midst of a spiritual battle? Have you asked God to fight this battle for you?

 

PRAYER:  

Cast all your weakness and burden to God and admit to God that your strength is very limited. Pray to God to let His power work freely within us so that we can have victory over our fear and weakness. Ask for God’s grace to help you fight your battle daily.

 

HYMN:

Christ Is Mine Forevermore – youtu.be/siKb-rfe-QE?si=4wVDv3SqXZlf02sL

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+019

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 19 (ESV)

1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. 2 But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. 3 Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.”

4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. 5 He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. 7 Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”

 

REFLECTION:

Jehoshaphat appointed officers to govern the people. He warned the officers that they were accountable to God and they should judge according to God’s standard. Jehoshaphat pointed out a basic principle in the action of leaders. His advice still has deep enlightenment to Christian leaders today. As leaders, we need to use the authority given to us by God appropriately, knowing that we represent God as His executor and must maintain the highest level of integrity because He is watching and will not tolerate abuse of His God-given authority. Reflect if church leaders follow this principle in leading the church. If there is deficiency in what they do, what can you do to help them improve?

 

PRAYER:

Pray for your church leaders and ask God to help them to be prudent and discerning in their leadership according to God’s standard. Pray for yourself and ask God to give you passion and wisdom that you are willing to support your church leaders in leading the church.

 

HYMN:

Your Will be Done – youtu.be/Fbo2Jrl5eMw?si=wRbWyq2EJCmWyfQ9

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+018

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 18 (ESV)

1 Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor, and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab. 2 After some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab killed an abundance of sheep and oxen for him and for the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead. 3 Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” He answered him, “I am as you are, my people as your people. We will be with you in the war.”

4 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.” 5 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for God will give it into the hand of the king.” 6 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?” 7 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” 8 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” …

12 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 13 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”

 

REFLECTION:

1. Although Jehoshaphat respected God, he took Athaliah as the wife for his son. Athaliah was the daughter of the wicked King Ahab. Jehoshaphat also formed a military ally with Ahab. Jehoshaphat’s fame and power attracted the sly and opportunistic Ahab. Their alliance eventually brought disastrous consequence. Athaliah became queen after the death of Jehoshaphat. She usurped the throne and killed almost all of David’s descendants. She brought back the evil customs to Israel and caused the fall of Judah. When Christian leaders form partnerships with unbelievers, they may compromise and give up their ideals; their spiritual alertness may also become slow. The Bible warns us: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” Reflect whether you have made partnerships with unbelievers in your career or other areas. If yes, how should you treat this partner relationship?
2. The 400 prophets of Ahab only told him what he liked to hear. They got rewarded when they pleased Ahab. On the other hand, Micaiah told the truth and he was put into jail. Obeying God does not ensure you will be out of trouble. In fact, you will likely enrage people by obeying God. However, it is better to disappoint people than to incur the wrath of God. If you suffer from people’s sneer because of upholding God’s truth, remember that Christ also faced persecution and warned us of this (Jn. 15:18-19). You may not face life-and-death trials nowadays, but are you willing to sacrifice for witnessing the truth?

 

PRAYER:

Pray for your unbelieving friends and colleagues and ask God to open their heart that they are willing to receive God’s salvation. If you have conflict on values with them, ask God to give you wisdom and steadfast faith that you are willing to sacrifice your own benefit in order to be a witness for God’s truth.

 

HYMN:

Press on – youtu.be/3HM0rcCIfBo?si=-OGxgdaQ4t8jZklA

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+017

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 17 (ESV)

1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.

7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8 and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

10 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.

 

REFLECTION:

The people of Judah were ignorant of the Bible because they didn’t spend time understanding God’s laws and they didn’t know that God’s word could change people’s heart. Jehoshaphat knew that the first step for people to live according to the right way was to understand God’s word. Therefore, he implemented an education plan nationwide to let the people understand and follow God’s laws. In Asa’s time, Judah declined in their faith. Now Jehoshaphat tried to reverse the situation and help people regain their dedication and sense of mission by putting God as first place in their heart. Because of his reformation, the people of Judah began to follow God and the country became prosperous. Reflect how important is God’s word in your evangelism and ministry. Do you realize that God’s word is the most important weapon you have?

 

PRAYER:

Dedicate to God that you are willing to actively share the gospel. Ask God to open doors for you and work on the heart of the friends you will share the gospel with. Ask God to make you humble so that as you share the gospel you will put God’s word in first place rather than relying on human wits and skills.

 

HYMN:

Show Us Christ – youtu.be/uLIi5SAVMRw?si=t7zAHM-WKMil_ITr

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+016

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 16 (ESV)

1 In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 2 Then Asa took silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the Lord and the king’s house and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Syria, who lived in Damascus, saying, 3 “There is a covenant between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. Behold, I am sending to you silver and gold. Go, break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel, that he may withdraw from me.” 4 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, and they conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. 5 And when Baasha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah and let his work cease. 6 Then King Asa took all Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber, with which Baasha had been building, and with them he built Geba and Mizpah.

7 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” 10 Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in the stocks in prison, for he was in a rage with him because of this. And Asa inflicted cruelties upon some of the people at the same time.

11 The acts of Asa, from first to last, are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians. 13 And Asa slept with his fathers, dying in the forty-first year of his reign.

 

REFLECTION:

Both Judah and Israel did not learn the lesson of relying on God. Although God saved them from invasion of enemies repeatedly, they kept seeking help from pagan nations. Asa’s seeking help from Syria was the proof of spiritual decline of Judah. When Judah only relied on God’s protection, it defeated the army from Ethiopia but now it lost its trust in God and wanted to adopt human strategy to solve the crisis.  Hanani the seer rebuked Asa and Asa put Hanani in prison, revealing Asa’s condition of spiritual lowness. It is not a sin to solve problems through human relationships but it is an offence to God when you rely on man more than God’s instruction. Similarly, it was not a sin for Asa to seek treatment from a doctor when he was sick but he was wrong in seeking help from man only but not from God. Reflect what is the right attitude for Christians in facing illness?

 

PRAYER:

Come before God with humility. Pray for a difficulty that you or others are facing and ask God to help and to guide, and let you know how to seek help from other people. Pray for a friend or relative who is sick, ask God to give wisdom to the doctor for the best treatment, and to heal the person with mercy.

 

HYMN:

I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130) – youtu.be/8C3WQ1G1Uso?si=-Z7_fnxkOHFP-sQD

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+015

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 15 (ESV)

12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, 13 but that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. 14 They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns. 15 And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.

16 Even Maacah, his mother, King Asa removed from being queen mother because she had made a detestable image for Asherah. Asa cut down her image, crushed it, and burned it at the brook Kidron. 17 But the high places were not taken out of Israel. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true all his days. 18 And he brought into the house of God the sacred gifts of his father and his own sacred gifts, silver, and gold, and vessels. 19 And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Asa.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Many people find it difficult to dedicate their life to any cause. They are hesitant on anything and afraid to take responsibilities. Asa and Judah were different as they clearly obey God steadfastly. They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns, dedicating their loyalty to God. Such steadfast determination pleased God and brought peace to the country. If you want to have peace, you should examine yourself if there is still anything you have not entrusted to God. Entrust everything in your life to God and peace will come to you.
2. The Ten Commandments teach us to respect our parents but Asa removed his mother from being queen mother. Although respecting our parents is God’s command, loyalty to God is of the first priority. If you have unbelieving or even idol-worshipping parents, you should still respect them but you must honour God and consider God’s matter first. Use your wisdom and love to lead your parents to God.

 

PRAYER:

Ask God to examine your heart and reveal the hidden rebellion in you. Dedicate yourself to God and ask Him to give you true peace. Pray for your parents or elder relatives who may be worshipping idols whether tangible or invisible; ask God to give you wisdom and love to relate to them and lead them to abandon the idols and to know God.

 

HYMN:

Trust and Obey – www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB4KcleYiWM

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+014

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 14 (ESV)

1 Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David. And Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land had rest for ten years. 2 And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 3 He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim 4 and commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment. 5 He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him. 6 He built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace. 7 And he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God. We have sought him, and he has given us peace on every side.” So they built and prospered.

 

REFLECTION:

1. In Asa’s days the land had rest because he “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.” This sentence is often repeated in the Chronicles – obeying God will lead to reconciliation with God and peace with others. It was God’s promise over the ages that when the kings obey God, their land will have rest. Meditate on this quietly. You don’t need to exhaust all your energy to strive for peace while all you need is to fully obey God. We may not be able to reconcile with our enemies by obeying God but we will definitely reconcile with God and enjoy the perfect peace in God’s kingdom in the future.
2. Peaceful days is the opportunity to prepare for facing the next challenge. Prosperity not only allows us to rest but also be prepared for danger in times of peace. Asa believed that the peaceful period was a good opportunity for building up defence as it would be too late when attack was near. Unless we are always prepared, we will face much difficulties when we withstand spiritual attacks at any time. When we feel that we cannot resist temptation, we should think of how to face it calmly. Before the test comes, we need to build up the defence system. Reflect whether you are in a smooth-going period. How will you prepare yourself for the challenges to come?

 

PRAYER:

Ask God to help you to be alert and diligent so that you can prepare for future challenges in smooth-going times. Ask God to give you obedience to reconcile with God and with others not to please people but to please God.

 

HYMN:

Leaning – youtu.be/HpT9hyxx6KY?si=d4WtWj33gyK1jgjX

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+013

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 13 (ESV)

3 Abijah went out to battle, having an army of valiant men of war, 400,000 chosen men. And Jeroboam drew up his line of battle against him with 800,000 chosen mighty warriors. 4 Then Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim that is in the hill country of Ephraim and said, “Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel! …

10 But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the Lord who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service. 11 They offer to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt offerings and incense of sweet spices, set out the showbread on the table of pure gold, and care for the golden lampstand that its lamps may burn every evening. For we keep the charge of the Lord our God, but you have forsaken him. 12 Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.”

13 Jeroboam had sent an ambush around to come upon them from behind. Thus his troops were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. 14 And when Judah looked, behold, the battle was in front of and behind them. And they cried to the Lord, and the priests blew the trumpets. 15 Then the men of Judah raised the battle shout. And when the men of Judah shouted, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

 

REFLECTION:

The military power of Judah was weak and could not compete with Israel. However, Judah had victory because it relied on God. In the history of Judah there were numerous kings who faithfully put their hope in God but there were none in Israel; they all followed the example of Jeroboam in worshipping idols or serving Baal. As a result, God punished Israel much earlier than punishing Judah. There were some good kings in Judah who implemented benevolent rule during their reign. After the reign of a king who worshipped idols, he was always succeeded by a god-fearing king who brought spiritual revival. Furthermore, the period of reign of kings who worshipped idols was usually much shorter than the good kings. Therefore, the genuine faith of Judah to God was stronger and deeper rooted than Israel resulting in God’s care and protection. Reflect if the spiritual element was the deciding factor of victory in the struggle between Judah and Israel. What is the revelation to you?

 

PRAYER:

Give thanks to God for He always cares and protects you. Pray for God’s help in the struggles you are facing. No matter if the struggles are external or internal, ask God to help you rely on His strength to win but not rely on anything else.

 

HYMN:

Abide – youtu.be/c441z2h-_fE?si=fftZAy5e64L-PlNR

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+012

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 12 (ESV)

1 When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. 2 In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, because they had been unfaithful to the Lord, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem …

5 Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the princes of Judah, who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, “Thus says the Lord, ‘You abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak.’” 6 Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is righteous.” 7 When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak….

14 And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord.

15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the chronicles of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer? There were continual wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. 16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David, and Abijah his son reigned in his place.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The “Israel” mentioned in this passage refers to Judah. In the first three years of Rehoboam’s rule, he still obeyed God and hence brought prosperity to Judah. Unfortunately, when his rule was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and God allow the Egyptians to conquer them. Christians could face difficulties but may fall easily during comfortable times. We seek God in difficult times but we are proud of ourselves in comfortable times. When life is smooth, we should be careful to keep our faith. When the leaders of Israel humbled themselves, repented their sins, and acknowledged God’s punishment was righteous, God lessened the punishment for them. It is never too late to repent. God will have mercy even if you repent after receiving His punishment. Reflect whether you are struggling because you have sins not confessed. If only you could confess your sins in humility, the door of God’s mercy will be opened for you!
2. Rehoboam’s life was tragic for “he did not set his heart to seek the Lord” (v14) and this became the final judgment for him. When people ignore God’s will, they will fall into the dangerous and sad situation similar to Rehoboam. God requires us to be faithful and unwavering to Him. We should fully trust God in our life or else we will easily fall into Satan’s trap and separate from God. Reflect what will be God’s remark for you when you finished your life on earth.

 

PRAYER:

Come before God in humility. Ask Him to enlighten you and help you examine yourself of unconfessed sins. If there is, remember that God’s kindness leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4). We can leave sin behind and approach Him because He has already shown us His grace through Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you perseverance in faith so that you can give account to Him without fear when you finish your life on earth.

 

HYMN:

Shine Into Our Night – youtu.be/HwnsOqZK2ko?si=Kn-b3o3jrclB1K9a

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Chronicles+011

 

2 Chronicles Chapter 11 (ESV)

1 When Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, 180,000 chosen warriors, to fight against Israel, to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. 2 But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God: 3 “Say to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, 4 ‘Thus says the Lord, You shall not go up or fight against your relatives. Return every man to his home, for this thing is from me.’” So they listened to the word of the Lord and returned and did not go against Jeroboam…

13 And the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel presented themselves to him from all places where they lived. 14 For the Levites left their common lands and their holdings and came to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons cast them out from serving as priests of the Lord, 15 and he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat idols and for the calves that he had made. 16 And those who had set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came after them from all the tribes of Israel to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord, the God of their fathers. 17 They strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.

 

REFLECTION:

1. People who worship power think that power can solve all problems but do not know that true power comes from sacrificial love. Rehoboam’s stupidity brought the division of the kingdom but he still wanted to unite the country by force. True unity does not come by force but from the willingness to obey. Reflect if there are conflicts in your church, workplace and family. If you are a person in power and you want to have unity among your congregation, employees, or children, do not force them to obey with power as Rehoboam did. Reflect how you could treat them with love in Christ to bring about unity.
2. After the division of the kingdom, Jeroboam, the new king of Israel, considered the priests and Levites to be a threat to the regime because they still maintained their loyalty to Jerusalem. Jeroboam appointed his own priests, forbade the Levites to serve and forced them to move to Judah. The pagan priests Jeroboam appointed encouraged the Israelites to worship idols. The new kingdom fell into a crisis of being forsaken by God because there was no spiritual leader. The priests and Levites who obeyed God and disobeyed Jeroboam kept the unity of Judah with their spiritual strength. Later on, most people in Israel followed the wicked arrangement by Jeroboam and compromised their faith for self-benefit. We must not follow their example in ignoring God’s command and seeking only worldly gain. Reflect that God is the only one we should follow. Is the path you are walking on deviating from His way?

 

PRAYER:

Pray for the conflicts around you and ask God for humility and obedience so that you can resolve the conflicts, following the example of Jesus’ sacrificial love and bringing about unity in Christ. Ask God to give you steadfast faith to follow Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life.

 

HYMN:

Christ Be In My Waking – youtu.be/uvg28ki9R9w?si=daYkmgsrXTwegc82