Monday, 17 March 2008 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Rehoboam

Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.” So the people went away. Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. 2 Chronicles 10:5-6

Life is full of decisions. What will I do? What will I wear? Shall I get up at all today? Rehoboam’s reign as king began with a difficult question. He took his time and asked advice. He asked the old. He asked the young. But he didn’t ask God! Whose advice are you relying on today?

Tuesday, 18 March 2008 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Rehoboam

When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem he gathered 180,000 of the best soldiers from Judah and Benjamin. He wanted to fight Israel to take back his kingdom. But the Lord spoke… ”You must not go to war against your brothers. Go home… I made all these things happen” 2 Chronicles 11:1-4

Rehoboam’s decision didn’t go down too well, so he thought he’d knock a few heads together. But God had different ideas. He sees the bigger picture. He knows what’s really going on. If your life looks a bit of a mess just now, try another perspective. Try looking down on it from above!

Wednesday, 19 March 2008 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Rehoboam

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and built strong cities in Judah to defend it. 2 Chronicles 11:5

Rehoboam used the peaceful times well. He strengthened his people. We don’t become wise or strong in our faith overnight. There is a time for building up our defences, doing the hard work so that when trouble strikes, we’re ready. Are you using today to prepare for tomorrow?

Thursday, 20 March 2008 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Rehoboam

There were people from all the tribes of Israel who wanted to obey the Lord… These people made the kingdom of Judah strong, and they supported Rehoboam for three years. 2 Chronicles 11:16-17

The king was encouraged by other believers who gathered around him. Faith strengthened faith. It’s hard to be a Christian - even harder when you’re on your own. Give thanks to God for the people He’s given you for your encouragement. Who does He want you to support?

Friday, 21 March 2008 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Rehoboam

After Rehoboam’s kingdom was set up and he became strong, he and the people of Judah stopped obeying the teachings of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 12:1

When everything seemed to be going fine, he decided he didn‘t need to listen to God any more. Don’t be fooled! Whenever you think you’re strong enough to do without God, watch out. You’re probably at your weakest.

Saturday, 22 March 2008 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Rehoboam

Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and took the treasures from the Temple of the Lord and the king’s palace. He took everything, even the gold shields Solomon had made. So King Rehoboam made bronze shields to take their place… 2 Chronicles 12:9-10

The people’s disobedience cost them many things, and the replacements Rehoboam provided were not of the same quality. How sad to miss out on the great things God has for us, and make do with the ‘good’ things the world offers instead. Are you settling for second best just now?

Sunday, 23 March 2008 00:00  |  Written by Alastair McLay and posted in Rehoboam

He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord.

Here’s the final verdict on Rehoboam’s rollercoaster life - he wasn’t aiming for the right thing! If we’re not seeking the Lord, we’re seeking something else.