Topic: Sacred Counsel [Sunday July 5, 2015]
Text: 1 Kings 12:16-24
KEY VERSE: “Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD” (1 Kings 12:24).
God rules in the affairs of men. Nothing happens in our world without His knowledge. The Scripture affirms that He is Governor-General of the universe (Psalm 22:28). If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His knowledge, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? It was the Lord who brought about the division of His people; the existence of two nations was designed by him as a punishment for their idolatry and as a means of preserving a faithful remnant through Judah. Though Israel as a whole departed from God, a remnant in Judah remained faithful to the covenant. Through them, God was able to fulfill His promises and redemptive purpose.
Both Rehoboam and Jeroboam did what was good for themselves, not what was good for Israel. Rehoboam was harsh and did not listen to what the people said. Good leaders must put the best interest of God’s people above their personal desire.
Making a decision to satisfy self can backfire and cause more loss than gain. So, we should evaluate our decisions and ask if they are realistic, workable and consistent with biblical principles. Advice is helpful if we evaluate it with God’s standard in mind.
We should have faith in the counsel of God and less faith in our interpretation of providence. We should never doubt God’s word. All the strength and force of a Christian comes from his faith in God’s word. He who believes is strong; but he who doubts is weak.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 14-16
Thought For The Day: Christ is the Hope that can never be put to shame.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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