History is full of leaders who have abused their power, who were more interested in massaging their egos than in helping their people. Such leadership and what it means for those under it is distressing to contemplate, but for the people of God, there may be reason for distress, but not despair.
In 1 Kings 12 we see Rehoboam the king act like a fool. He doesn't listen to older, wiser, proven counselors, but listens to his peers. He disregards the concerns of his people and exalts his ego. He hadn't learned from his father's wisdom that, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." He sounds more like Pharaoh at the time of the exodus than he sounds like the king the Law commanded him to be. Rehoboam lost authority over the 10 northern tribes of Israel because he was arrogant and foolish.
And because it was God's will.
1 Kings 12:15 tells us, "So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the LORD that he might fulfill his word, which the LORD spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat."
Rehoboam was acting, and God was, too. God is sovereign in the affairs of humanity and works out his purposes in and through people. It looked like things were out of control, but they were in His control. He was preparing the way for Jesus, who is all the things Rehoboam should have been and wasn't. He's a servant who gave himself for his people in obedience to the Father. He calls all of us who are weary and heavy laden to come to him and find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy and his burden is light.
God was in control and always will be. As his people, we can take comfort in that. |
