…the old prophet… rode off and found the prophet’s body lying on the road, with the donkey and the lion still standing by it. The lion had not eaten the body or attacked the donkey.
You truly hold everything within your hands, Father (Psalm 91:7; Job 1:12). Thank you.
King Jeroboam of Israel still did not turn from his evil ways but continued to choose priests from ordinary families to serve at the altars he had built. He ordained as priest anyone who wanted to be one.
Once one has gone too far down a particular road, facts no longer matter (1 Kings 19:1-2; Jeremiah 44:17-19). What facts?
This sin on his part brought about the ruin and total destruction of his dynasty.
I don’t believe these set formulas continue to apply (John 9:2-3; Luke 13:2).
At that time King Jeroboam’s son Abijah got sick. Jeroboam said to his wife, “Disguise yourself so that no one will recognize you, and go to Shiloh, where the prophet Ahijah lives, the one who said I would be king of Israel. Take him ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey. Ask him what is going to happen to our son, and he will tell you.”
It’s as if it were some sort of game (2 Kings 5:25-27): God was seen as a resource to be used instead of a person to whom we submit.
“Go and tell Jeroboam that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to him: ‘I chose you from among the people and made you the ruler of my people Israel. I took the kingdom away from David’s descendants and gave it to you.'”
Very similar to Samuel’s discourse with Saul (1 Samuel 15:17). May I never forget my humble origins, Lord (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). I’m only what you have made me.
But you have not been like my servant David, who was completely loyal to me, obeyed my commands, and did only what I approve of.
May I be spoken of like David, Lord! May I likewise serve as a point of reference to all who follow.