Listen to your Father.

Last week, we learned that the kingdom of Israel would be split up because of Solomon’s disobedience.  He worshipped other gods and, because of that, The LORD promised to rip ten tribes away from Solomon and give them to someone else.

Then [Ahijah] said to Jeroboam, "Take ten of these pieces, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon, and I will give ten of the tribes to you! (1 Kings 11:31 NLT)

Solomon didn’t like this pronouncement from God and tried to stop it.  Solomon, however, even with all his power and wealth, couldn’t stop The LORD.  For nothing is impossible with God.

Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but he fled to King Shishak of Egypt and stayed there until Solomon died. (1 Kings 11:40 NLT)

The LORD’s plan will come to pass, because God is God and we are not.  There will always be people who will follow The LORD.  The LORD will lead them and God’s plan will be accomplished.

Solomon ruled in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years. When he died, he was buried in the City of David, named for his father. Then his son Rehoboam became the next king. (1 Kings 11:42-43 NLT)

Rehoboam starts out as king over all twelve tribes of Israel.  He had a lifetime to learn from the wisdom of his father, Solomon.  He also had plenty of time to learn what happens when his father goes up against our Father in heaven.  Solomon started out his rule with difficult decisions to make and he asked The LORD for wisdom to make good decisions.  Now it’s Rehoboam’s turn.

Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of this, he returned from Egypt, for he had fled to Egypt to escape from King Solomon. The leaders of Israel summoned him, and Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with Rehoboam. "Your father was a hard master," they said. "Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects." Rehoboam replied, "Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer." So the people went away. (1 Kings 12:1-5 NLT)

How about you?  Do you learn from your earthly father’s wisdom and mistakes?  Do you know how to make good decisions in the midst of tough circumstances? Do you ask The LORD for wisdom to make good decisions?  Do you listen to your Father?