1 Kings 12:6 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.
When I need advice, I go to those I trust and earnestly seek their counsel. On the surface, this seems to be what Rehoboam did, but the speed with which he rejects the counsel of the elders makes me wonder if he was really just going through the motions.
1 Kings 12:8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.
The biggest thing I notice in this section is who Rehoboam DOESN’T seek counsel from—God. I see no time set aside for prayer, no seeking of God’s will and God’s way. And I know that I have been just as willful, just as brash, just as guilty of being headstrong. I have barreled full speed ahead in life without taking time to seek wisdom and discernment from my Savior.
1 Kings 12:9 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’?”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for such clear pictures in this chapter of what happens when I plow ahead without seeking Your counsel. Help me, always, to spend time in Your presence and Your word. Help me, always, to seek Your wisdom and Your will. Draw me closer. Always. Amen.
1 Kings 12:13-15 The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.