Read: 1 Kings 12-14
Focus Verse: “After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” (1 Kings 12:28).
Devotion: No Jeroboam, why would you do that!? God gave you the kingdom from Rehoboam after his poor decision. So Rehoboam was made king but decided, after seeking advice, to ignore the good advice and treat the people harshly. So for this the kingdom rebelled and made Jeroboam King. Jeroboam was afraid if the people went to Jerusalem for festivals to worship the LORD—where Rehoboam was still king—The people would turn again, but back to Rehoboam. So to prevent the imagined threat (and not trusting the LORD who had given him the kingdom) Jeroboam turned away from God and made idols so the people could worship near him and he would stay King. One king against advice choose not to love his neighbor, the other not to love God. We can learn, however, when seeking advice test it against this: does it show love to God and does it show love to people? If not, it is not advice from God.
Pray: LORD help me hear and seek Your heart of love, and seek good guidance that uplifts love of others and of You. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Ps. 91:1)