Bible Chapter: I Kings 13 & 14

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    From the beginning of the Bible we read of the battle between God and the devil.  One thing the devil is very successful in is making the things he promotes against God's way look so attractive.  The Bible, as well as other history, is filled with stories of how people rejected God's ways for the pleasures of sin.  Here we find more of the story of Jeroboam, King of Israel.  After an episode of God's judgement we read that even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways.  He continued to appoint priests for the high places.  He didn't care who they were.  If they wanted to be a priest he would appoint them.  He just didn't seem to have the ability to learn and change his behavior to obey God.
    Because of his continual sin the house of Jeroboam was cut off from the nation.  The corruption was wide-spread in his family and many were judged.  We see another story of disobedience here with the prophet who brought the message of judgement and then failed to obey God's specific instructions.  The lessons are very clear:  God expects obedience.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    These two chapters are filled with illustrations of how quickly people disobey and the extreme consequences of their actions.  Rehoboam, King of Judah, was just as evil as his northern counterpart.  The whole nation of Judah did evil in God's eyes.  They were involved in idol worship and even the detestable sexual practices of the heathen.  The enemy was very successful in drawing them to be involved in many sins.  I can see how important it is to have spiritual eyes to see the short-term fun of sin against the long-term destruction it brings.  We are always better off to obey God.  There may be some temporary issues that seem harder, but the long run will bring God's blessings and rewards.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Someone once wrote the words:  all that I want is in Jesus.  He satisfies, Joy He supplies.
    These words accurately describe what happens when a person makes the commitment to serve Jesus in opposition to what happens to the person who serve sin.  Jesus has all we can need or want.  He is the source of real satisfaction and joy.  Life finds its fullest meaning in Jesus.