This chapter wraps up Jeroboam’s rule of Israel, and also summarizes the final years of Rehoboam’s rule in Judah.
“…you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes, but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger… therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male… the Lord will strike Israel… because they have made their Asherim, provoking the Lord to anger. And he will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he sinned and made Israel to sin.” (v8-10,15-16 abr)
Following Jeroboam’s instructions, his wife seeks God’s prophet Ahijah regarding their dying son, but receives far worse prophecy than expected. God promises that Jeroboam’s family, and all of Israel, will suffer for his sin and the sin he caused among the people.
When we sin personally, it has consequences. When we cause someone else to sin, it has far more significant consequences. Why is that? Probably because we’re not just breaking the greatest commandment (to love the Lord our God), we are also breaking the second greatest commandment (to love our neighbor). Causing someone else to sin is not loving them.
Of course God understands the motives of the heart, so unintentionally sinning or unknowingly causing someone else to sin are far different than doing it on purpose. Jeroboam intentionally steered people away from God.
I suggest we do the opposite of Jeroboam – we steer people toward God. There are many ways we can do this, and Christlike integrity is one of the core requirements. Integrity is essentially internal and external consistency – what we say is what we believe, and our behavior backs up our beliefs / words.
If we believe in our hearts Jesus is Lord and our sin is forgiven, then we should speak in a way that honors our belief. Finally, our behaviors must reflect our beliefs and words. When those around us see our integrity, that is a huge testimony for our Lord and Savior Jesus. On the other hand, if we believe Jesus is Lord, yet speak and act like unbelievers, then we lack integrity and are far less effective witnesses for Jesus. I encourage us to exhibit integrity in all the we believe, say and do.
Father God, our Glorious Lord and King, holy, holy, holy is Your name. Father we praise You for Your lovingkindness and mercy, for You have loved and forgiven us greatly. We ask now for Your Spirit’s guidance to help us walk in integrity, not only believing in our hearts, but also speaking and behaving in ways that also glorify You. May You be exalted with every thought, word and action, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training