daily bible readings

Yesterday’s reading left us teetering on the edge. His kingdom began with great potential. Would Rehoboam heed the advice of the godly elders and follow in the footsteps of his father Solomon? Would he be the wise son that Solomon had hoped and prayed for? Would he take to heart the Proverbs that his father wrote for him and taught him as he grew into a young man and ruler?

The Chronicler is not trying to write a mystery novel. He boldly and plainly tells us that Rehoboam chose to do with the advice of the godly elders that served under his wise and blessed father, Solomon. “But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.” 2 Chronicles 10:8

Even worse, he consulted the young men that he had grown up with. “He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”” 2 Chronicles 10:8–9.

No reason or logic is given for the answer of the young men. We are given no background and no insight into their answer. “The young men who had grown up with him replied, “Tell the people who have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter’—tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. 11 My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’ ”” 2 Chronicles 10:10–11.

The narrative is set up for us by the Chronicler in a way that leaves a deep and lasting impression. We know, just by reading up to this point that what Rehoboam has chosen is not good. We know that rejecting the godly advice of the elders who served with wise King Solomon will bring pain, suffering and distress. As we read to verse 11, we brace ourselves for the onslaught of such an unwise decision.

The book of Proverbs, written by Solomon to guide and teach his son, who would one day be king, speaks often about the implications and consequences of rejecting wisdom. Such actions bring strife, disaster, calamity and distress. Rejecting wisdom is the way of fools and simpletons. It is the pathway of the scoundrel and wicked man.

Wisdom today is closer to us than we may think or believe. Not only do we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, but we also have the completed Scriptures available to us. Seeking wisdom is as close as prayerfully immersing ourselves in Scripture to see will of God. We also have the promise of God in James 1:5. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Added to this, we can also seek wise advice from those in the church who have a track record of serving God and who are known to be full of the Spirit. We can seek their godly counsel in our time of need.

Prayer: 

Adoration:

• Adore God that Jesus has become for us wisdom from God.
• Adore God that He has made it possible, through the cross, to have the Holy Spirit dwell within us.

Confession:

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

Thanks:

• Thank God for the promise of wisdom that He has given us.
• Thank God that when we ask for wisdom He promises to give generously and without finding fault.

Supplication:

• Ring or text 5 other people in your congregation and ask them what wisdom they will need this week and spend time praying for them every single day this week. On Saturday, ring them and ask how God provided for them.
• Pray that God would give you great wisdom to live each day in a way that glorifies and honours Jesus, your Lord and Saviour.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did Rehoboam need wisdom?
2. In the context of the covenant God made with the kings of Israel, what would we expect to happen if
   1. Rehoboam ruled wisely?
   2. Rehoboam ruled unwisely?
3. What warnings need to be heeded when we seek wisdom from others?