#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sat. 2/4/2016

3/4/2016   LESSON   5:

REHOBAM: A KING WHO TOOK A WRONG COUNSEL

Quarter’s Theme: PORTRAITS OF JEWISH KINGS

Unit 3 – Portraits Of The Kings Of Divided Kingdom (Lessons 5-12)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 71, 352

Devotional Reading: PS. 1:1-6; PRO. 1:15-19

Topic For Adults

ALWAYS SEEK AND TAKE GODLY COUNSEL

Topic For Youths

KEEP COMPANY WITH GOD-FEARING ONES

Topic For Intermediates

SHOW ME YOUR FRIENDS…

Scripture Lesson

1 KGS. 12:1-24; 2 CHRO. 12:1-14

(SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS)

MEMORY VERSE

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. (Ps. 1:1) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 2/4/2016

A Lost Chance To Make A Difference

1 Kgs. 12:1-11

Upon the death of King Solomon in 930 B.C., his son Rehoboam assumed the throne. Even if the Israelites had been impressed with the imposing buildings and temples, they were clearly not ready to be oppressed and taxed to maintain the king’s opulence anymore.  They might have suffered in silence under Solomon, the Son of David, the wisest man on earth, but they were not going to take it from his son. The situation thus put Rehoboam at a crossroad. Would he attempt to correct Solomon’s excesses and give his subjects a breath of fresh air? If he had done that, he would have earned himself the unalloyed loyalty of his people. However, his upbringing in that sinful, idolatrous environment did not help him at this critical moment in his life. He was grossly unable to deal circumspectly with the already traumatised people. Rather than patiently listen to the wise counsel of the elders, he chose to trust the counsel of his youthful friends. Note that God had surrounded Rehoboam with helpful people: Prophet Shemaiah as well as some wise, older counsellors. Sadly however, he did not seek the help of God, and as a result made unwise decisions. This is how we too often make unwise decisions in the Church, and in our personal lives, because we do not seek the help and direction of God. We try to solve our problem by ourselves, or with the aid of people who are not led by God. That is a guarantee of failure, suffering, embarrassment, and affliction for us, our family, and the people of God.

Point of Emphasis:   Every moment is an opportunity to right the wrong.

Prayer Point:            Lord, give me the grace to make positive use of every opportunity that comes my way.