Devotionals
Dear Beloved,
HELPING GOD?
"Then [Ahijah the prophet] said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon's hand and give you ten tribes…. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you'" (1 Kings 11:31-38, NIV).
"Jeroboam thought to himself, 'The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David...' After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, 'It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt'" (1 Kings 12:26-28, NIV).
A popular English proverb states, "Heavens [i.e. God] help those who help themselves." However, for the people that want to be in God's will, this proverb is a contradiction. Many instances in the Bible prove this.
The story of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, the first king of the break-away northern kingdom of Israel was one of such instances. When King Solomon did not do according to the will of God by worshipping the gods of his foreign wives, God promised to establish the house of Jeroboam as kings in Israel, but would retain a tribe for the house of David. God established Jeroboam as the king of Israel. Nevertheless, Jeroboam was crafty. He tried to help God. Why? He was afraid that the people would kill him and return to the house of David. So he made two idols and set them in two border towns as gods "who brought [the Israelites] up out of Egypt." It was to keep them from worshipping God in Jerusalem and consolidate his power.
By this singular action, the chronicle of the people of Israel was tainted with this reference, "the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 14:16, NIV. See also 1 Kings 13:34; 15:30, 34; 2 Kings 10:31; 13:2, 6; 15:9, 18, 24, 28; 17:21).
Also, Sarah and Rebecca schemed when the promises of God seemed delayed. The former advised her husband (Abraham) to have offspring through her maid, Hagar (Genesis 16). The latter nearly destabilized her family when she tried all her possible best to fulfill the promise of God for Jacob her favorite son (Genesis 25:21-23; 27:1-17).
Are you fond of manipulating God's plans and promises for your life? Your action should be according to the will of God. Remember, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV. See also Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 14:24). He who does not run ahead of God is truly happy.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on May 23, 2004.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
This is very good. A blessing to read and a lesson to remember. God bless.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 525 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Bayo Afolaranmi or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 525 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.