June 8 - Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14 | 1 Kings 12:1-20 | 2 Chronicles 10:1-19 | 1 Kings 12:21-24 | 2 Chronicles 11:1-4 | 1 Kings 12:25-33 | 2 Chronicles 11:5-17

Good morning everyone,

Today we finish the the book of Ecclesiastes, the final verses reading much like an epitaph. As when we finished reading of the good king David, I am a little sad to be moving on from Solomon. I like him. Oh sure, he got to be a bit eccentric, but likable none the less.  I love his reminder that all people will have to stand before God and be judged for what they have done in this life, good or evil. I’ll be back to glean from his story and proverbs again someday.

It took very little time for the nation to derail after the death of Solomon. Rehoboam was approached by Jeroboam, who had been hiding out in Egypt, and the whole assembly of Israel in hopes of reducing heavy taxes and labor. Rehoboam, after seeking advise from everyone but God, not only told them, “No way!” but was most insulting about it. It was then, ten of the twelve tribes joined forces under Jeroboam and formed a new nation, the northern kingdom of Israel and revolted against Rehoboam. 

Rehoboam went back to Jerusalem and started getting troops together to go to battle against Jeroboam. God had a different idea though and He sent Shemaiah, a priest, to tell Rehoboam not to go into battle. To Rehoboam’s credit, he paid attention to the message from the Lord, abandoned his plan and went home.

Meanwhile, Jeroboam went up to Shechem to live. He fortified the city and because he didn’t want the people going to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, he had built two golden calves for them to worship instead. What?!? Oh my word! As leader of the northern kingdom Jeroboam wanted to establish his own worship centers so he put one in Bethel, ten miles north of Jerusalem and the other in Dan, the northern most city in Israel. Very strategic locations. He would tell the people, “ Ahhh, you know what a long journey that is to the temple (church) and how hard it is to get the kids all packed up and ready to go. I made these golden calves for you, it can represent God, no need to travel.” They bought into it and all too soon their “religion” bore little if no resemblance to what true faith, worship and trust in God looks like. 

I find myself wondering, what concessions do we make in our lives. How many times do we find a reason to not drive to the church on Wednesday evenings to meet? Playing the, “Oh, it’s too rainy” card. Or on Sunday’s not making the drive because, well, so and so’s not teaching so I will do my own study at home. Yet still, what reasons do we have for not opening our Bibles? Do we let the god of sleep, or sports or TV replace the one true God? We need to always be seeking the kingdom of God. We must always be doing what He has called us to do, getting down the road, no matter how long it is, to attend church with like minded people and opening up our Bibles every day to be fed and encouraged by His Word. Let’s not be like Jeroboam and talk to ourselves. No, let’s be a people who talk to our God, the one true God.  Matthew 6:33 tells us, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all…