Three Kings

Have you ever lost your way?  Have your priorities gotten out of whack?  We start off with big plans.  We may begin with the best of intentions.  Then, somehow, we find ourselves throwing away what is important, what is eternal, and it ends with serving the world instead.  I confess that I have done it … many times.

It isn’t a new problem.  In 1 Kings, the Holy Bible tells us that King Solomon and his immediate successors lost their way, too.  Solomon had all the success anyone could dream of, so long as he kept God’s laws and commandments.  However, in later life he was led astray by his wives, and he worshiped their pagan gods and idols.

God became angry with Solomon, and after his death, He caused Israel to become divided and locked in civil war.  Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, succeeded him, but the 10 Northern tribes rebelled.  Jeroboam (of the tribe of Ephraim) became their king.

All of the 12 tribes, however, continued to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Jeroboam felt threatened because he feared that if his people worshiped in Jerusalem, they would eventually be turned against him.  Consequently, he led the people astray, and caused them to worship false gods in places he designated outside Judea.  God became angry with Jeroboam, and after his death God allowed Jeroboam’s enemies to wipe out his whole family. (1Kings 11-15)

Jeroboam loved being the ruler of his people so much that, trying to hold on to his position, he turned his back on God.  Does that sound like some of the people we have elected to lead us?  Does it sound like you?  It sounds like some of the things I have done.

God has said, “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14 NIV)  Please join me.  Let’s put it before God’s throne in prayer, and then let’s follow Him.