2 Chronicles 11 - January 9

I find Rehoboam an interesting character. In one momenthe is making foolish choices and in another he is acting wise and obedient to the Lord. I guess that is true of us all to some degree. In the previous chapter we learned that he had made a foolish choice in listening to novice and unwise counsel. In today's chapter wefind him with more prudence and commitment to the Lord. Because of the revolt of Jeroboam and the ten northern tribes, Rehoboam devised a plan to go to war in an attempt to reunite the kingdom and to regain what he had lost due to poor counsel (v.1). Like a conscientious man, when God forbade him to carry out this design (v.4), in obedience to Him he let it go, either because he reverenced the divine authority or because he knew that he would not prosper if he shou ld go contrary to God's command. Maybe he realized that instead of retrieving what was lost he would be in danger of losing what he had. It is dangerous undertaking anything, but especially undertaking a war, contrary to the will of God. God calls him (v. 3), Rehoboam the son of Solomon , to suggest that this was a result of the sin of Solomon, and it would be to no purpose to oppose a decree that had gone forth. Like a discreet man, he fortified his own country and saw no purpose to think of regaining those that had revolted. A few good words, instead of the foolish decision to increase their burden might have prevented their defection, but now all the forces of his kingdom cannot bring them back. The thing is done, and so it must be; it is in his best interest to make the best of it. Maybe here he listened to wise counsel and it was probably by their advice that, he fortified his borders, and many of the principal cities of his kingdom, which, in Sol omon's peaceable reign, no need existed to consider the defense of these places. He furnished them with good stores of food and other supplies (vv.11-12). Because God forbade him to fight, he did not sit down sullenly but rather accepted God's will and did whathe could to be wise in leading the people. Oh, the peace that comes when we rest and walk in the will of God for our lives.

I want to end this devotion today focusing on the priest and Levites for a moment. May I remind you today that we are all, as followers of Christ, priest (a royal priesthood). Jeroboam had made it impossible for the good priest to carry out their duties among the ungodly priest that he had chosen. It says of these good priest and Levites in verse 13 that they stood with Rehoboam. Weare told that they left their pastures and property and went to Jerusalem because of what Jeroboam had done (v.14- 15). Then if you notice in verse 16 it says, 'Those who set their hearts on s eeking the Lord God followed him (Rehoboam) to Jerusalem.' There they strengthened Judah and supported Rehoboam.

These men left their homes as they were driven out of all their cities except those in Judah and Benjamin. One would think their circumstances well settled, and yet they lost it. It was a comfort to them that the law so often reminded them that the Lord was their inheritance, and so they should find Him when they were turned out of their house and possessions. But why did they leave their possessions? Because they knew they could do no good if they remained. Because they themselves would be in continual temptation to some base compliances, and in danger of being drawn insensibly to that which was evil. Because, if they retained their integrity, they had reason to expect persecution from Jeroboam and his sons. Poverty in the way of duty is to be chosen rather than plenty in the way of sin. Better live upon alms, or die in a prison, with a good conscience, than roll in wealth and pleasure with a compromised one.