1 Kings 13
Although there was an accord between Israel and Judah (see 1 Kings 12:24), Jeroboam fortified his cities and built idols for Israel to worship. Jeroboam failed to trust in God alone - hence he worried about his ability to maintain his rule:
The events that followed in 1 Kings 13:1-10, including Jeroboam's actions, extend this theme of worry. When we worry, we are saying that we fail to trust in the Lord, and then our actions fall out of this worry - we devise our own plan - which by its very nature is fraught with sin.
We may believe that worry is a harmless sin but it is not. We must be careful not to worry because it is a slippery slope into sin that may be difficult to halt.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God, full of love and compassion for me. Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love. I worry, and I am harsh with my words and actions. Please forgive me for my sin and help me turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth. v34
Although there was an accord between Israel and Judah (see 1 Kings 12:24), Jeroboam fortified his cities and built idols for Israel to worship. Jeroboam failed to trust in God alone - hence he worried about his ability to maintain his rule:
Jeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” 1 Kings 12: 26-27
The events that followed in 1 Kings 13:1-10, including Jeroboam's actions, extend this theme of worry. When we worry, we are saying that we fail to trust in the Lord, and then our actions fall out of this worry - we devise our own plan - which by its very nature is fraught with sin.
We may believe that worry is a harmless sin but it is not. We must be careful not to worry because it is a slippery slope into sin that may be difficult to halt.
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God, full of love and compassion for me. Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love. I worry, and I am harsh with my words and actions. Please forgive me for my sin and help me turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
