“Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and dwelt there. Also he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.”28 Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” 29 And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. 31 He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi.” 1 Kings 12:25-31 NKJV
God who cannot be divided,
Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, first king of the northern Kingdom of Israel following a revolt. Not of David’s line. And he makes it easy for the Israelites in the north to think they were doing their worshipful duty without having to go and mix with those in the south. Keeping them religious without true faith and being tempted back to loyalty to David’s line. He also ordained feasts, great community events, always popular.
How easy it is to be religious. That is go to church on a Sunday, give each week. Even make up payments when away on holiday or at family events. Support financially when appeals are made to support the less fortunate. Attend social evenings and fundraisers – even do a spot of baking. All these things are great, valuable and do good.
But help us ensure that we, those we sit next to and invite to events, know why we do worship. Because of what You have done for us Father. Not what we do for You. Solomon originally built the Temple as a symbol of You being in their midst as their God. We are building the church around You, not a building, but with You the living God, who we can know through Your Son Jesus and His Spirit.
Help us ensure that along with building a wonderful church fellowship and family, Jesus can be clearly seen and encountered.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 20th May 2026
Direct worshipful prayer . . .
Come set Your rule and reign
In our hearts again
Increase in us we pray
Unveil why we’re made
Come set our hearts ablaze with hope
Like wildfire in our very souls
Holy Spirit come invade us now
We are Your church
We need Your pow’r in us
We seek Your kingdom first
We hunger and we thirst
Refuse to waste our lives
For You’re our joy and prize
To see the captives’ hearts released
The hurt the sick the poor at peace
We lay down our lives for heaven’s cause
We are Your church
We pray revive this earth
Chorus:
Build Your kingdom here
Let the darkness fear
Show Your mighty hand
Heal our streets and land
Set Your church on fire
Win this nation back
Change the atmosphere
Build Your kingdom here we pray
Unleash Your kingdom’s pow’r
Reaching the near and far
No force of hell can stop
Your beauty changing hearts
You made us for much more than this
Awake the kingdom seed in us
Fill us with the strength and love of Christ
We are Your church
We are the hope on earth
Chorus:
Build Your kingdom here
Let the darkness fear
Show Your mighty hand
Heal our streets and land
Set Your church on fire
Win this nation back
Change the atmosphere
Build Your kingdom here we pray
Lyrics: Gareth Gilkeson, Chris Llewellyn, and Will Herron of the Northern Irish Christian worship band Rend Collective.