Heart Thoughts

"Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

 Psalm 19: 14



God promised to make Jeroboam, son of Nebat, king over ten tribes of Israel. Jeroboam's dynasty would endure if he listened to God's commands, followed God's ways, and did right in God's eyes (1 Kings 11: 35- 38).

 

After becoming king, Jeroboam thought to himself, "The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam."  (1 Kings 12: 26- 27).  Some Bible translations use the phrase "Jeroboam said in his heart...".

 

Jeroboam's heart demonstrated wrong thinking, and as a result he led Israel to sin. Jeroboam failed to heed God's counsel, and came up with his own plan. More concerned with the people's loyalty to him rather than the people's obedience to God, Jeroboam sought advice from men. This counsel was contrary to the LORD's commands. Jeroboam set up altars and idols at Bethel and Dan. Jeroboam also rejected the Levites - God's ordained priests- replacing them with others who would practice idolatry.

 

Jeroboam, son of Nebat, led Israel to sin by providing the wrong gods, in the wrong places, using the wrong authority. He did not do right in God's eyes. Jeroboam rejected the LORD's requirements for worship, and his sin is repeatedly emphasized (2 Kings 14: 23-24; 15: 8-9, 17-18, 23-24, 27-28). This was Jeroboam's legacy.

As a young adult, when I was asked advice, I gave my opinion...what I thought was right in my eyes. The LORD brought me to my senses, impressing upon me to give advice according to His Word.

 

Our pastor told the congregation, "Know what the word of God says, or we will be left with our own opinions, rather than God's revelation."

 

God allowed Jeroboam to reign 22 years, and eventually because of Israel's sin of idolatry, God allowed Israel to be taken into captivity by Assyria. Sin has consequences.

What are your heart's thoughts?  Are your thoughts and actions right in God's eyes?

Knowing and obeying God's Word, the Bible,  makes us wise, gives understanding, provides light, preserves our lives, sustains us, and keeps us from sinning. God's word is eternal, trustworthy, right, and true! Those who loves God's law have great peace (Psalm 119).

May our words and thoughts be pleasing to the LORD, our Rock and Redeemer!