Day 162 - The Divided Kingdoms (1 Kings 15-17, 2 Chronicles 16-17) - Year 2

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TODAY'S READING:

1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, 1 Kings 16, 1 Kings 15:23-24, 2 Chronicles 16:11-14, 2 Chronicles 17, 1 Kings 17:1-7

WORD OF THE DAY:

Responsible

After King Solomon’s death, old tribal loyalties resurfaced, leading to a civil war between the ten northern tribes and the kingdom of Judah. This division marked the beginning of the "Divided Kingdom," a time of constant strife and eventual conquest by outside invaders. As Jesus said, “A house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).King Asa of Judah faced invasions from King Baasha of Israel. Baasha blocked access to Judah, prompting Asa to seek help from Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram/Syria, by giving him silver and gold from the Temple of the Lord. Asa did not seek God's counsel, and Hanani the seer rebuked him, predicting ongoing wars for his lack of faith. Asa imprisoned Hanani, revealing his hardened heart.

Hanani’s son, Jehu, also a prophet, confronted King Baasha, declaring God's judgment for leading Israel into sin. Baasha died, and his son Elah briefly ruled before being assassinated by Zimri, a commander. Zimri's short reign ended when the army made Omri king. Omri ruled for 12 years, doing more evil than any before him. His son Ahab continued this legacy, marrying Jezebel and promoting idolatry and wickedness. Asa’s faith waned in his later years, and his son Jehoshaphat succeeded him, committed to following the Lord. Jehoshaphat removed pagan shrines and Asherah poles, and God was with him. Surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord, preventing them from warring against Judah.

Elijah emerged as a powerful spiritual force during Ahab’s reign, declaring a drought as judgment for Israel’s idolatry. Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my God,” symbolizing his mission to redirect Israel back to God. His prayers caused the drought, as affirmed in James 5:17-18, showcasing the power of righteous prayer.

God instructed Elijah to hide by a brook, where ravens fed him. When the brook dried up, God had further plans, demonstrating His provision and care for those who obey Him.

Scriptural Reminder: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48) Responsibility involves not only avoiding wrong but actively doing right.

Elijah’s prayers brought a drought, showing his alignment with God’s will and his responsibility in Israel’s spiritual direction. Facing a wicked king and calling for drought was dangerous yet necessary. Elijah exemplified true responsibility by responding to God’s call.

God cared for Elijah during the drought, proving that He supports those who faithfully serve Him. As we see with Elijah, responsible actions, especially in prayer, can have profound effects.

Encouragement for Today: “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Being responsible is a weighty burden, but God, our ultimate responsible Father, supports us when we seek Him.

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