Rehoboam had a tough decision to make. The Israelites were asking him to lower the tax, and other, burdens imposed by his father, Solomon. Rehoboam consulted his father’s counselors. Then, Rehoboam consulted his peers.
Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam's decision, just as the king had ordered. But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, "My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I'm going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!" (1 Kings 12:12-14 NLT)
Rehoboam did not listen to the wisdom of the older counselors. Had he listened to them, he might not be the reason the kingdom split. It may have fallen on someone else. This simple wisdom is similar to the wisdom of being a father.
"Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? "Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:11-13 NASB)
Good fathers want what is best for their children. Our Heavenly Father wants what is best for us.
How about you? Are you a grand/parent? Do you want what is best for your grand/children? Did you have a father who wanted what was best for you? Do you see your heavenly Father wanting what’s best for you? Do you listen?
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