daily bible readings

Solomon had spent many years training up his young son to be a wise and godly king. The book of Proverbs is clearly written, in the first instance, by a king for his son to teach the son wisdom for life and leadership.

The new king would need the approval of all Israel to establish his kingship. He sends out word to all of Israel and they gather at Shechem for a covenant ceremony, which is not mentioned in the text. Rehoboam is simply following protocol and long accepted practice.

Interestingly, the Chronicler mentions the presence of Jeroboam, who had fled to Egypt after rebelling against Rehoboam’s father, Solomon. Jeroboam’s coming back to Israel places a question mark over the entire kingship of Rehoboam and indeed, over all Israel. He was a rebel and the question remains as to whether or not he would rebel against the new king.

As Jeroboam returns to Israel, “they sent for Jeroboam, and he and all Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: 4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labour and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” 2 Chronicles 10:3–4. The people saw in the new king an opportunity to start over and to lessen the work load on themselves.

Rehoboam’s first answer showed potential wisdom, tact and sensitivity.
“Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.” So the people went away.” To consider the matter without pressure and debilitating deadlines is a mark of wisdom. He even went as far as seeking godly advice, “Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked. 7 They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favourable answer, they will always be your servants.”” 2 Chronicles 10:5–7.

Rehoboam’s reign began with great potential. He applied Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Not only did he seek advice, but he sought it from those who were under Solomon’s reign and had experienced his wisdom and leadership. These men were in a prime position to give sage and godly advice.

Two lessons can be learned from this event First and foremost, seeking advice is a godly and wise thing to do. Whenever we are seeking to attempt something or to do something, we should seek godly advice.

Secondly, the people from whom we seek advice as is important as seeking advice. We should seek out godly people who have experience in our area of need. We need to seek out people who are serious about their faith, godly and filled with the Spirit.

Rehoboam’s reign began with great potential. But, would he continue in the pathways of wisdom that his father Solomon went to great pains to teach him as a young man? Would his reign follow in the footsteps of his wise and blessed father or would he take a different path?

Prayer:

Adoration:

• Adore God that in wisdom He created the world and everything in it, making mankind the pinnacle of wisdom and the ruler of creation.
• Adore God that He gives us wisdom abundantly as we ask without finding fault.

Confession:

• Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for His forgiveness.

Thanks:

• Thank God that Jesus has become for us our wisdom from God.
• Thank God that we have the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us in everything.

Supplication:

• Pray that the leaders of your congregation - Session, Committee of Management, Ministry Leaders and Small Group Leader would be wise in their leadership and governance of the church.
• Pray that each believer in your church would be wise in the way they live their daily lives so that they bring glory and honour to God.

Discussion Questions

1. What is wisdom?
2. How did a believer get wisdom in the OT?
3. How do we get wisdom in the NT?