Thurs’s. Devo - Rehoboam’s Reign

Read: 2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Romans 8:26-39; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29 Rehoboam returned to Jerusalem to get his army and go stop Jeroboam and get back his kingdom. He was stopped by the prophet, Shemaiah. He told Rehoboam that this was all God’s doing, so Rehoboam went home and fortified the towns he had left. He built up his army and gave the towns ammo and protection. *** Most of the priests and Levites left Israel and came to Judah where they could serve the Lord. Jeroboam served other gods and appointed his own priests. *** Reoboam got settled in his kingdom and became self-sufficient. He began to worship other gods also, leading his nation in sin. God sent Shishak from Egypt to conquer them. Rehoboam repented before the Lord. God said he would not completely destroy them but they would become his subjects and see the difference between serving God and serving an earthly ruler. Egypt took all the things of worth that they wanted. *** It is recorded that Rehoboam was an evil king who did not seek the Lord with his whole heart. He reigned over Judah for 17 years. When he died, his son Abijah ruled. *** Jeroboam and Abijah went to war. Abijah had 400,000 in his army to Jeroboam’s 800,000. They met in the hills of Ephraim. Abijah stood on the hill addressing Israel’s army. He reminded them of the covenant God made with Israel that one of David’s sons would rule on the throne forever. He explained how God was on Judah’s side. The whole time he was talking, half of his army was moving behind Israel’s army to ambush them. The priests blew their trumpets and the battle began. Judah defeated Israel killing 500,000 of their army. From that time on, Israel began to weaken while Judah strengthened. *** In Romans, we are greatly encouraged by how much God loves us and helps us overcome. When the devil brings something against us, God comes to our defense. He does something so good for us that it not only furthers his kingdom but it harms Satan’s kingdom. God is with us in our troubles and he turns them to victories. *** Lord, thank you that we always have reasons to be thankful and feel loved. May we bring you joy today.