“But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the LORD, and all Israel followed him in this sin.”
2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT
Have you ever wondered why some people, once they are aware of God, ever consider abandoning Him? There are many reasons why we abandon God. At the height of his popularity and power, the king abandoned the Lord. What happened? Often it is more difficult to be a believer in good times than in bad. Tough times push us toward God; but easy times can make us feel self-sufficient and self-satisfied. When everything is going right, guard your faith.
When we abandon God there are personal consequences. Popularity and power, the two benefits that Rehoboam chose above God, were the first two things he lost when the Egyptians invaded the land. Through Rehoboam we discover the real price to be paid for rejecting God. Even though Rehoboam later confessed his sin, the damage had already been done. He was not destroyed, but much of what was precious to him was lost. His reign could have been as glorious as the golden shields in Solomon’s temple, which the Egyptians took. Instead, he had to settle for bronze replacements and an insignificant reign.
Folks, when we abandon God there is also consequences for others. We don’t have to be a king, like Rehoboam, before our actions deeply affect the lives of others. Rehoboam’s abandonment of God led to the humiliation of his people.
I’ll leave you with this thought…..
How does the quality of your relationship with God affect those around you?
The Scriptural Truth 