Daily Devotional for Thursday, March 27

The Refusal by Rehoboam

“So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day. And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,” 2 Chronicles 10:12, 13.

This was a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, ascended to the throne. Faced with the weighty responsibility of leadership, he sought counsel from the elders who had served his father. Their advice was wise and measured, urging Rehoboam to show humility and compassion to the people, thereby earning their loyalty and respect.

However, Rehoboam’s response revealed a heart hardened by pride and arrogance. Disregarding the wisdom of the elders, he turned to his peers, who counseled him to rule with even greater severity than his father. Instead of heeding the voice of reason and experience, Rehoboam allowed his ego to guide his decision-making, leading to disastrous consequences for the kingdom.

This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of seeking wise counsel. Rehoboam’s refusal to listen to the counsel of the elders demonstrated the folly of relying solely on our own understanding and perspective. When pride blinds us to the wisdom of others, it becomes a stumbling block on the path to wise and effective leadership.

As we reflect on Rehoboam’s story, let us examine our own hearts and attitudes. Are we willing to humble ourselves and seek guidance from those with more experience and wisdom? Or do we allow pride to cloud our judgment, leading us down a path of self-destruction?

REFLECTION

Let us cultivate hearts of humility, willing to learn from others and submit ourselves to God’s guidance. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and walk in the path of wisdom and righteousness.

Steven Ridings