DB

REHOBOAM

2 Chron. 10:1-19

 They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”

Solomon ruled with God’s wisdom and had a prosperous kingdom. At the same time, God was displeased with his life of compromise. He sowed seeds that would be reaped later on during the reign of his son Rehoboam. Through the events of chapter 10, we see Rehoboam’s arrogance that caused the division of the kingdom. 

First, Rehoboam rejected the good advice of the elders (1-15). The people led by Jeroboam appealed to the new king to lighten their load. If he did so, they would have served him happily. Their petition reflects the excesses of Solomon’s reign that placed a heavy burden on the people to build up his kingdom and serve his many building projects. When Rehoboam heard their petition, he first asked the advice of the elders who wisely advised him to treat them well and they would serve him faithfully. But instead he rejected their advice and followed the advice of the young men of his court who told him to rule them even more harshly. So when they returned, he answered them harshly, saying, “If my father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” This caused division fulfilling God’s word to Jeroboam. 

Here, I can learn some principles of leadership. First, a leader should listen to good advice. The elders gave Rehoboam good advice to be kind to the people. What everyone wants is a little old-fashioned kindness. But in his arrogance, he deliberately rejected the sound advice of the elders because it didn’t fit his agenda. Second, a leader must be humble. Humility is the sign of good leadership. What people hate most is pride and arrogance in a leader. This may be the biggest reason for the downfall of any ruler. Finally, leadership is based on servantship.A king or any leader should rule in humility and consider himself a servant of the people. Even Jesus the Son of God came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mk 10:45). He is the model for all would-be leaders. 

There have been several times that I wasn't kind and spoke in arrogance. I lost a good friend and insulted a few coworkers along the way. Now I am hopefully a little wiser and kinder than before. May God help me to be kind and compassionate toward others around me.

Second, Israel departs from Judah (16-19). The people were so upset with the king’s harsh answer that they split away from the king. Only Judah remained loyal and Rehoboam ruled over them. When Solomon sinned against God, the Lord began to divide Israel in two parts.

Lord, help me to have a shepherd heart. Help me to be like Jesus who was humble and gentle in heart. 

One Word: Be a servant-leader!