[Discoveries] 11-05-08 The sin of Jeroboam -- 1 Kings 13:34

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and 
to its destruction from the face of the earth. -- 1 Kings 13:34*/

Twenty-five times in scripture we come back to the sin of Jeroboam. I 
don't think any other name in the Bible is more often associated with 
sin than his. The sin of Jeroboam led to the fall of nine successive 
dynasties and the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Eight 
kings were assassinated; the sin of Jeroboam was a factor in every one.

Again and again, the LORD sent prophets to warn these kings to turn away 
from the sin of Jeroboam, but all of these warnings were ignored. In 
hindsight, it seems incredible, tragic, immeasurable folly and a vast 
loss of what could have been so good.

On the surface, it seems like the sin of Jeroboam is idolatry -- the 
worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan. But when we look below the 
surface, we discover some things that I think can help us understand how 
to uproot sin in our own lives.

If you read 1 Kings 12, you discover that Jeroboam had a problem. He was 
looking for a way to consolidate his power. Worship in Israel centered 
around visiting Solomon's magnificent temple in Jerusalem three times a 
year. To allow his subjects to travel into his rival's territory to 
worship seemed dangerous to him. It seemed more than dangerous; it felt 
suicidal. He needed a way to keep them out of his rival's country. So he 
devised a solution. He created regional shrines. He needed something 
that would rival the glory of Solomon's temple, so he created idols of 
gold.

The very thing that was designed to save his dynasty destroyed it. 
Jeroboam's solution became his problem.

This is sin at its essence. A solution that becomes a problem. Finding 
an alternative to God. Building a house of cards with a foundation of lies.

What would cure the sin of Jeroboam? Taking his problem to God. Letting 
God tell him the truth - did he need the idols? Not once in all the 
Bible do we read of any king of Israel asking God how to maintain the 
kingdom without the golden calves. They had prophets. They had a way of 
asking. But somehow, they couldn't bring themselves to do so.

If you struggle with a sin in your life, how do you get rid of it? You 
can fight the sin all day long, but if you don't let yourself discover 
the reason the sin is in your life, you probably won't accomplish much. 
What is the sin doing for you? Is it possible that God could do for you 
what you think the sin will do? Is it possible that God can provide the 
validation, the security, the sense of belonging, the vindication or 
whatever it is that you need?

I believe this is what God longs to do in your life and mine. He wants 
to be our solution. And He will be as we allow.

Be encouraged!
Dwight

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