Lessons from Reoboam and Jeroboam
Two Kings. Two Dangers. Two Choices.
Starting in 1 Kings 12:26 and continuing through chapter 13, we witness a tragic pattern of spiritual decline, twisted truth, and convenient worship. Once again, we encounter the devastating influence of golden calves—not the original ones from Moses' time, but new idols crafted for a new generation's convenience. As believers, we are the mouthpiece of God and must stand for His truth, share His gospel, and pursue righteousness. Here we'll examine how ancient choices mirror modern temptations.
Two Kings
Rehoboam: The Privileged Heir
Son of Solomon, son of David—what an incredible lineage! Born into royalty, raised in the palace among countless half-siblings from Solomon's many wives. In such an environment, he likely had to fight for prominence and recognition. At his coronation, Rehoboam faced a crucial decision: listen to the seasoned counselors who had faithfully served his father, or follow the advice of his peers and friends who had grown up alongside him in privilege.
Rehoboam chose to ignore wise counsel and responded to the people with harshness and indifference. His pride and inexperience split the kingdom in two.
Jeroboam: The Unlikely King
No royal lineage, but he had received a prophecy that he would reign over ten tribes of Israel. However, first he would endure exile—a time that would test whether he would prepare himself for obedience to God or obedience to self. When the kingdom divided and the people named him king, Jeroboam revealed how he had prepared his heart. In verses 26-28, we see his fatal reasoning: "If these people continue to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, they will return to Rehoboam."
God had already promised Jeroboam that if he trusted and followed Him, the kingdom would be established. Instead, Jeroboam chose human reasoning over God's wisdom. He feared men more than God, so he crafted two golden calves for the people to worship.
(Note: 1 Kings 14:7f reveals God's severe displeasure with Jeroboam's choices.)
Two Dangers
We might not bow to golden calves today, but idols still sneak into our lives. Let’s look at two that affect many.
Screens as Modern Golden Calves
Screens are like tools—they can be helpful or harmful. We’re not against tools. A farmer isn’t against cows, but he wouldn't bow to one. Similarly, technology—phones, TV, movies, games—are not evil in themselves. However, when they begin to control us, distract us from family, or distance us from God, they become idols.
Just as I know a golden calf for worship is destructive, I recognize that when technology controls me instead of serving me, I’m in spiritual danger. We must be owners and stewards over technology, not its slaves.
These tools can steal creativity, leave us empty, and transform into habits and addictions if we're not careful. Here are some practical things to consider:
- For Parents: When we check our phones more than we look into our children's eyes
- For Workers: When we can't be present in meetings without constant notifications
- For Students: When we can't study without the anxiety of missing online updates
- For Families: When devices replace conversation around the dinner table
Knowing these dangers, we can exercise better self-control and distinguish between idols and tools. Remember that these devices should serve our purposes, not control our lives.
Religion as a Golden Calf
Religion can satisfy the self while keeping us distant from God. It makes us feel good about our sin and guilt by encouraging good deeds without requiring any true relationship with God. Like Jeroboam's calves, religion can fill our time with activities that feel spiritual without actually filling our souls.
There was once a man who knew everything about his farm. He could tell you which section of his field needed nitrogen and when the rains would come just by watching the sky. He kept careful records of planting dates, crop rotations, and cattle vaccinations. His neighbors often came to him for advice on managing pests or boosting yields. From sunrise to sundown, he was busy—on his tractor, in the barn, checking the fences, repairing tools. To anyone looking in, he was a successful, hardworking provider.
But ask him about his wife’s favorite song, or what time his children got home from school, or what they struggled with emotionally—and he would go silent. He might mumble something about being “too busy” or laugh it off, saying “That’s the wife’s job.”
He wasn’t a bad man. He wasn’t cruel. He just assumed that putting food on the table was enough—that labor in the fields would cover the love at home.
But his wife began to feel more like a housekeeper than a partner. His kids started opening up to other people—teachers, friends, even strangers—because their father always had something more “important” to do. Over time, a quiet distance grew in the home. Meals were eaten in silence. Family traditions faded. And though the farm thrived, the relationships withered.
He had fed his family, but he had not nourished them.
He had built silos full of grain, but not hearts full of connection.
He gave his days to the land, but forgot to give his presence to the ones he loved most.
Many treat Christianity the same way—I come, I listen, and I leave. They approach it as consumers rather than participants in a relationship.
Two Choices
Jeroboam offered a religion of convenience—and most people accepted it. Some were willing to travel to Jerusalem to worship the true God. That meant effort. That meant time. That meant discomfort. But it was right!
Don't let your Christianity become a golden calf—a substitute for real relationship with God. Instead, let it be what it was meant to be: a living, growing, transforming relationship with the Creator of the universe who loves you and wants to be known by you.
Let’s not settle for convenient worship. Let’s be committed in our worship—the kind that honors the King, and changes lives.
Will You Choose Convenience or Commitment?
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