May 24

Read 2 Chronicles 10

Highlights In Today's Reading:

After Solomon's death we see the expected folly of Rehoboam and once again the nation is divided. Jeroboam becomes king over northern Israel. As we follow the saga we see continuous war between the north and the south, as well as apostasy, judgement, repentance and respite. When Rehoboam dies his son Abijah (also known as Abijam) takes over and the war continues. Then Jeroboam, the northern king, dies. After only a three year reign, Abijah dies.

Rehoboam permitted the worship of Ashtoreth, images of Baal, and other heathen abominations to exist in his kingdom. Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak. . . . (who) took away the treasures of the House of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made (12:5,9). Similar shields were made of inferior metal to replace the splendor of the gold. How foolish for Rehoboam to carry shields of brass in his traditional procession! Brass represents judgment. Vain and proud, he was anxious not to appear degraded by the absence of the shields.

This severe loss of wealth was the price of sin and backsliding. Accordingly, the Lord said: I . . . left you in the hand of Shishak (12:5). For the first time since the Exodus, Judah was once again threatened with Egyptian bondage.

When God forsakes us, we are unable to resist sin and the enemy can influence us. We do know there is a satanic power that controls this present world system of things. In times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). This is the summing up of Rehoboam's life rather than to the true counsel from Jehovah. In striking contrast to the ones who turn to Christ, he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord (II Chronicles 12:14).

Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (I Corinthians 1:30-31).

God, the Holy Spirit is dwelling within all who have received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).

Thought for Today:

When our pride tries to lift us up above God, a fall is the next thing to come.

Christ Revealed:

Through the gold candlestick (lampstand) (II Chronicles 13:11). Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5).

Word Studies:

10:4 yoke grievous =heavy burdens severe; 10:10 loins =waist; 11:12 every several =each separate.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers and Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Stephen Cohen (TN), Rep. Charlie Dent (PA), and Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO) • Country: Portugal (10 million) in western Europe • Major language: Portuguese • Limited religious freedom • 95% Christian; 5% non-Religious/Other; .5% Muslim; .1% Hindu; .01% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that at all times you will find pleasure in what pleases the Lord (Philippians 2:13).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 11

Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:19