After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD. [2] Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam.” –2 Chronicles 12:1-2

In today’s reading from the One Year Bible we see another major error to avoid from King Rehoboam’s life (You can read about the first one in 2 Chronicles 10). Basically it took a few years for Rehoboam to get his feet under him after his initial trials when he transitioned to becoming king.  But after he gained strength, started getting some momentum, and even found some success in his new phase of life, he stopped putting God and God’s word first his life.  He turned from being somewhat dependent on God to being clearly independent towards God.

Because of this unfaithfulness, God removed his blessing of protection and allowed another nation to attack Rehoboam’s kingdom.  This huge challenge ultimately brought that choice to the forefront of his life again.  This time Rehoboam humbled himself, and though his world took a major hit, he avoided complete destruction.

When we look to the Lord for His wisdom and blessing, He grants us grace and success.  And like Rehoboam, we often look to God in hardship or when transitioning into a new phase of life like marriage, or having children, or getting a new job.  During these times we can feel overwhelmed or in need and might even humbly call out to God for help. But when we get our feet on the ground or begin to experience success, it’s easy to get proud and forget who helped us get there.

This reminds of a couple encouraging, yet sobering verses about God’s character:

2 Chronicles 26:5 says of King Uzziah, “As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.”  King Uzziah sought the Lord for many years and yet, near the end of his life he grew proud and much of his world came crashing down.

And 1 Peter 5:5 (also in James 4:6 and Proverbs 3:34) also reminds us that, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So anyway, if we want to walk in God’s lasting success and blessing, then let’s stay humble and continue seeking the Lord!

Pray on!
–Rich

Announcements:

• Man Up! 6pm – Our PFC men’s group is meeting THIS Wednesday night 6pm @ Drew’s house (17956 Ardsley) for pizza, fellowship, and prayer (and maybe more).
• Sunday service (9am Coffee and fellowship, 9:15 Music starts) – This Sunday, Dennis will be teaching from 1Thessalonians chpt. 5.  He’ll share about what is know as “The day of the Lord.” After the rapture and after man has had his way on the Earth, what happens when God gets his day?  You don’t want to miss this one!

DON”T FORGET – This will be our last Sunday at American Academy!! Starting Sunday, August 5th, we’ll begin meeting at the new Leman Academy school on Stroh Rd!!