25/10/2011 - REHOBOAM’S FOLLY

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 “Now it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, that he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel along with him.” (II Chronicles 12:1) 

 

  The  example  set by one’s ancestors  is  not always  followed. The young Rehoboam had everything to be a successful person because his grandfather, David, was a man after God\’s own heart (Acts 13:22), but because his heart was not as perfect as the psalmist’s, he missed out on a great chance. Today, we  should  look at  the disastrous example  given by that young man and act differently in order to be victorious. The examples of people who served the Lord were registered in the Scriptures as lessons for us to  learn  how to  truly  serve our God. He who  acts  the same way 

Rehoboam did will have the same misfortune he had.  

   Examine the mistakes made by David’s grandson. Although he saw his own country being  divided into two kingdoms, Rehoboam did not abandon his wicked ways and as soon as he had fortified the kingdom, he abandoned the law of God. It is known that power corrupts, and a simple improvement  in one’s standard of  living  is enough to lead them  astray. Hell is full of people who preferred to give way to sin and now they cry out in pain, plunged in a suffering that will never end. Lies, financial or marital betrayal have led many people to the abyss. 

   It did not occur to Rehoboam that his decision of  abandoning  the Law of God would bring the king of Egypt to his land. When he woke up it was too  late  because all the cities of Judah, including Jerusalem, were taken by the hands of  that  ruthless  tyrant. Likewise,  today many people are waking up too late. It is only when the doctor says there is no cure for their  cancer or  any other  incurable  disease that  one remembers how much one has departed from God. 

   The Lord then ordered one of his prophets to show that young man his madness and folly, but it was  too  late and the damage was great. 

David’s  grandson and his people humbled themselves  for  the evil they committed against the truth and, by extension, against God. The error that one commits is, after all, an act of evil against the Lord who is holy; sin is against the Almighty, and therefore the  guilt  is greater than you think. 

Rehoboam humbled himself, but his kingdom was scarred forever.  

  That young man proved with that attitude that he did not  love the Lord as  he  should. My  brethren,  examine  your way  of  proceeding,  your decisions and actions in all areas of  your  life, and mend  your ways. 

Rehoboam discovered, when it was  too late,  that it was not good to act like that.  Likewise, there are many children of God who will reach the same tardy conclusion. 

   Do not let the situation become irreversible,  so do  not hide  your mistake because on Judgment Day you will have no excuse and  you will not be spared. If you have cheated on your spouse, go up to him or her and  tell the whole truth.  The one who was betrayed will accept no  gifts and his or her rage will certainly be great. But today is the day to say no to temptation, so cry out for the divine mercy now. 

 

In Christ with love, 

R. R. Soares