Jeroboam’s Idolatry

Jeroboam’s Idolatry

 

1 Kings 12:25-33

Jeroboam, who became king of the Northern Kingdom (Northern Israel), was anxious that he might lose his royal authority despite God's promise. What made him even more anxious was the temple in Jerusalem. King Jeroboam judges that he cannot win the hearts of the people of Northern Israel as long as the temple is located in the southern kingdom (Southern Judah). Jeroboam selects Dan and Bethel instead of Jerusalem, builds a high place instead of the temple, installs a golden calf since there is no Ark of the Covenant, and appoints ordinary people as priests. The Feast of Tabernacles, which was supposed to be celebrated in July, was also moved to August to suit the northern climate.

 

An anxious mind takes over in the place where a trusting heart is lost (26-27). Jeroboam does not pray, but after careful consideration, he makes the worst choice. This was an attitude of not trusting the word of God given to him (11:38). What makes us anxious? Completely relying on God is the way to defeat fear.

 

The nation prospered because of David, who was after God's own heart, but because of Jeroboam, who followed his own will, the nation fell (28-33). It started out as an attempt to avoid fear. The world is scary and we are too afraid of the future, and if we rely on visible power, money, or people, we can fall into idolatry at any time.

 

God, help us to defeat fear by relying completely on You! Help us to enjoy peace by relying only on You, without relying on visible power, money, or people.

 

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