The Test of Faithfulness

I am working on a book, in which I am going to share some of my experiences, lessons learned and some devotionals that I have written over the past two years. I value your prayers as I work through this process. Also, I ask you to pray for some work opportunities that will be finalized in the next day or two. This is in addition to my Energy Action Project work.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… After Rehoboam’s kingdom was set up and he became strong, he and the people of Judah stopped obeying the teachings of the Lord.”  2 Chronicles 12:1

One of the greatest challenges we can observe in scripture, especially the history of the Kings, is being faithful to the Lord for the “long haul.” Many of the Kings were just evil and idolatrous leaders. Others had their times of starting off well, but ending bad. At times some of the evil Kings would show repentance and sorrow and the Lord would be merciful. The smallest group were those that were faithful through all their years.

The reality is how you end up is what makes the difference. Jesus told a parable about two sons (Matthew 21:28-32). The father asked both sons to go work in his vineyard. One said he would go and changed his mind, the other said, he wouldn’t go work, but changed his mind and did go work in the vineyard. Jesus asked which obeyed. The obvious answer is the last one who ended up going and working in the vineyard.

The Lord spoke through Ezekiel and said, “..if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” (Ezekiel 18:21 ESV) The Lord also asked the question, But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live?” (Ezekiel 18:24 ESV)

This is what we observe in King Rehoboam. Rehoboam had a though start to his rule. Israel became divided into two kingdoms. Jeroboam became the King over ten tribes that became known as Israel. Rehoboam maintained control over Judah and Benjamin. In spite of his lack of wisdom that lead to the kingdom being divided, Rehoboam actually started off good.

“The priests and the Levites from all over Israel joined Rehoboam...There were people from all the tribes of Israel who wanted to obey the Lord, the God of Israel. So they went to Jerusalem with the Levites to sacrifice to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. These people made the kingdom of Judah strong, and they supported Solomon’s son Rehoboam for three years. During this time they lived the way David and Solomon had lived.” (2 Chronicles 11:13-17 NCV)

Rehoboam had many sons and he set them up as leaders throughout the kingdom, thereby solidifying his reign and starting off showing wisdom and strength. But we read that his faithfulness to the Lord was short lived. The people began to reject the Lord and for twelve years they were attacked by both from Egypt and Israel. Rehoboam’s attitude that caused his down fall is summarized in the words, Rehoboam did evil because he did not want to obey the Lord.” (2 Chron. 12:14 NCV) Rehoboam made his choices; and his choices made him and determined his destiny and that of a nation.

When we make choices that are not in keeping with God’s plan and purpose for our life, it will impact our life. The Lord will call us back and use others and circumstances of life to get our attention, but we must respond with an open heart. When we do, we find forgiveness and mercy. When we refuse, we choose our own destiny.

The blessings of the Lord in our life will often be a test of our faithfulness. At times it is easier to seek the Lord when we are “in trouble.” But when “life is good” – the bills are paid, our health is good, the work is solid and rewarding; that is when the test of faithfulness will come our way. We must always remember our source of blessing and life.

“…if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 CEV) “…if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.(Rev. 2:10 NLT)