A Lamp

O. T. #787  "A Lamp"
July 4, 2016
1 Kings 15

 Thanking God that we still have the freedom of religion in USA today and for all those who have sacrificed for it.

LET IT GLOW

King David and King Solomon's kingdom was divided into two kingdoms, the northern Israel and the southern Judah, as we well know. David's heart had remained loyal to God, in spite of his adulterous affair resulting in the death of Uriah the Hittite and the death of his baby son. Sadly though, their descendant Rehoboam, the next king of Judah, led his people into idolatry. We find out from 2 Chronicles 11 that Rehoboam had 18 wives, which included 2 cousins, and 60 concubines. With those he had 28 sons and 60 daughters. Rehoboam was 41 years old when he became king and reigned 17 years. He was an evil king and did not seek the LORD with all his heart.

Rehoboam appointed the son of his wife and cousin Maacah (who was the daughter of Absolom), Abijah. as leader among the princes, making it clear that he would be the next king.
Abijah only ruled over Judah for 3 years, due to the grace of God, for he was as wicked as his father.
Verse 1 tells us that Abijah became king of Judah during the 18th year of Jeroboam as king over Israel.

Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem. (verse 4)

This word lamp refers to a light, according to Young.

In faithfulness to David who had been a righteous king, God maintained a Davidic lamp in Jerusalem. (Falwell)

Is our faithfulness to God continuing to our next generation? Is our light of faith shinning for Jesus in our community? Are we letting His light shine in our life?

LET IT GROW

In 2 Chronicles 13, we read of a battle between Abijah and Jeroboam of Israel. Abijah shouted to his opposer that the LORD was Judah's God and they did not abandon Him like Israel did. Jeroboam had done away with the Levitical priesthood and appointed his own priests to serve idols. God defeated Jeroboam. Abijah captured the cities of Bethel, Ephraim, and Jeshanah. Jeroboam never recovered from the battle and died.

What a mess this family became involved in throughout the years. David's polygamy continued down the line.



LET IT GO

                              ...and let Jesus shine through me.