“Jeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” 28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” 29 One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin; the people came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan to worship the other. 31 Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites. 32 He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. ” 1 Kings 12:26-32 NKJV
Father and King of all Kingdoms,
Jeroboam, King of the northern tribes of Israel was insecure, had no fear of You, God and wanted to ensure his people didn’t trot off to Jerusalem to worship. So he just made it easier for them to stay home. He gave them something to worship near to hand and even appointed priests though they were not trained or designated.
His people were going through the motions but had no-one to direct or teach them Your way or Law. We could blame Jeroboam, we could blame the priests who were fake. But surely the people should have known the trouble one gold calf had made when Moses came down the mountain! (Exodus 32). They worshipped two.
Lord my faith is between me and You. I learn a great deal from church, Bible Study, reading Your Word and Christian authors. But when it comes down to it it is up to me whether I get up greet You, learn fro You, and trust You for today.
If I charge into today and forget to greet You till later, please forgive me. If my mind is distracted to other things, forgive me and if I end the day without building an alter in my heart to You forgive me. But help me change my ways. Teach me the simplicity of acknowledging You are with me, by Your Spirit, every second and listen out for Your counsel and help. If there are any golden calves in my life, things I worship more than You, show me. If I am just going through the motions of worship bring me to attention and centre my thoughts on You.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 17th June 2025
I will worship (I will worship)
With all of my heart (with all of my heart)
I will praise You (I will praise You)
With all of my strength (with all of my strength)
I will seek You (I will seek You)
All of my days (all of my days)
I will follow (I will follow)
All of Your ways (all Your ways)
I will give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise
I will bow down (I will bow down)
And hail You as King (hail You as King)
I will serve You (I will serve You)
I′ll give You everything (give You everything)
I will lift up (I will lift up)
My eyes to Your throne (my eyes to Your throne)
I will trust You (I will trust You)
I’ll trust You alone (trust in You alone)
I will give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise
Repeat
Lyrics: David Ruis