“After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord. 2 Because they had been unfaithful to the Lord, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam. 3 With twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen and the innumerable troops of Libyans, Sukkites and Cushites that came with him from Egypt, 4 he captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.5 Then the prophet Shemaiah came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had assembled in Jerusalem for fear of Shishak, and he said to them, “This is what the Lord says, ‘You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.’”” 2 Chronicles 12:1-5 NIV
“As for the events of Rehoboam’s reign, from beginning to end, are they not written in the records of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer that deal with genealogies? There was continual warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. 16 Rehoboam rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. And Abijah his son succeeded him as king.” 2 Chronicles 12:15,16 NIV
Lord of history,
Rehoboam became king of Israel but was no better that Jeroboam and abandoned You Lord and Your law and faithfulness. And he preferred to rely on himself and suffer the consequences. And the two kings rather than seeking unity in You, now are against each other. Even though the history of Israel and Judah clearly shows they are all related and Abrahams children and family.
Reading through 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles is a history of wars, assassinations of kings and treachery. Perhaps we would say the children of Israel and Judah got the kings they disserved?
But You could not forget your promises. You always keep Your Word. Your promised David that he would not fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel. These men chased the power and the glory and suffered nothing but trouble. And You Father waited till the time was right. And sent the final, the one and only, the King of Kings, Your Son Jesus. We may wonder at why Jesus came during the Romans occupation and so much later in the history of Judah and Israel. But we know Jesus was the fulfillment of Your promise Lord and the assurance that You will keep Your other promises. One day Jesus will rule and there will be a new heaven and a new earth and no more death, crying or pain ( Revelation 21:1-4). Help us to stick with, trust in, and follow You through our own turbulent history.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 16th June 2025
Had to be this hymn . . .
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Chorus
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Chorus
Sanding on the promises I cannot not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
Chorus
Lyrics: Russel Kelso Carter