Sunday School: I Kings 12-14 part one. Bart Lester, teacher.
reference also: II Chronicles 11 and following.
The kingdom is divided, just as prophesied by Ahijah in chapter 11. Jeroboam takes over
the northern kingdom, Israel (10 tribes) after the people revolt in response to Rehoboam's foolish actions as king. They do not believe God's promises or respect Him. They will pay for it dearly.
The overall theme is that God is sovereign, and is above all and in all things. He will use all actions/events to work out His will and to accomplish His purposes. Nothing is by chance, and nothing catches Him off-guard, or surprises Him, or thwarts His will.
Points to be made:
Rehoboam's young friends who offer such poor council seem to be looking out for themselves only, and are not concerned with the overall well-being of the nation.
"Rehoboam acts like a buffoon and it costs him dearly."
Rehoboam was all about the pageantry, pomp, and show of being a king, rather than being concerned about leading well.
After the revolt, when he finally 'got it', Rehoboam seems to have reformed somewhat. The Levites who were in the northern kingdom came back to Judah as did those who still worshiped the Lord and sought to serve Him. They 'strengthened' Rehoboam for 3 years. But still his concern was himself, and not the nation. While in the crisis, he sought God, but when things were good again, we see his true colors. See II Chron 12:1 "when his rule was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord. In response, God sends Egypt to plunder the land.
Jeroboam is a rebel, and leads Israel into rebellion and grave sin. More about him next week.
But not that he leads them to and encourages pagan worship. See Hosea 4 for a better picture of what pagan worship looked like. He defied God's ordinance re: the place to worship, made idols to be worship, appointed his own priests, and put the Levites out of office.
**How often are we (am I) the same way? Pretty often methinks. Willing to call on God in times of trouble, but when the trouble ends, we quickly become self sufficient and perhaps prideful?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon, Billy Joseph: Colossians 4:2-6 "Perfect Timing"
Looking today at verse 5b..."Making the best use of the time."
Other translations use different words:
"make the most of the opportunity."
"make the most of every opportunity."
"redeeming the time."
"Redeem" is a word primarily used in reference to freeing slaves. Paul uses it in terms of
'buying back' those in slavery to sin. The emphasis is on the importance of 'walking in wisdom', as a means to make others desire to be free from sin and in Christ, by our winsome behavior and our peace. We are to be intensive about our walk, live life with a purpose...not self centered, but with the goal of serving others....specifically here, outsiders.
"opportunity": God is sovereign, and He will call whom He chooses. None can come to Him unless He calls them. But......we are His ambassadors, given the message to give them, and He uses us to accomplish His will and work. So....don't waste time! Be aware that God is @ work and you are His instrument.
"making the most of the time." Don't be half-hearted about it! Be intent in the pursuit of walking in wisdom. Intent on living holy, godly lives in the midst of outsiders so that they will ask questions and we may have the opportunity to speak clearly, graciously, and seasoned with salt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Was blessed by this hymn this morning....How well it re-iterates the messages of the Psalms lately!
Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,
over all victorious in it's bright increase;
perfect yet it floweth, fuller every day,
perfect yet it groweth, deeper all the way.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
not a blast of hurry, touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
traced upon our dial by the sun of Love,
We may trust Him fully, all for us to do;
they who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest,
finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
No comments:
Post a Comment