Positions of Power

 Scripture:

“So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the Lord, for it fulfilled the Lord’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Rehoboam listened to the counsel of his peers instead of the wisdom of his father’s advisors. He made life extremely difficult on the people of Judah and he paid no attention to them or what was best for them. They suffered terribly because of his decisions, yet scripture records here that this was the will of the Lord because it fulfilled the Lord’s message to Jeroboam. Sometimes God allows us to be ruled by those who are not good because He has higher purposes and deals with rulers.

Application:

Many times we complain about the leaders over us. The Word tells us that God puts people in places of leadership and that we are to submit to them. This story helps me to realize that, even when our leaders are not fair or just, it may be the will of God for them to be there because He is doing something in and through them. This is why we must pray for our leaders. I also must realize that God raises up and puts down and that He is still in control, even when things are not going the way I want them to.

Prayer:

Father, You are awesome and worthy of all my praise. You are great and glorious. There is none like You. You raise up leaders and You send in the rulers we need or deserve. Help me not to question You, but to submit to what You are doing in all things and to build You kingdom regardless of who is in charge.

Yours Forever,

Jeff