Convenient Faith

Just like Solomon before him, Rehoboam marks the slow falling away of the Davidic line from the covenant relationship established between the Lord and Israel. At this point there is still some kind of relationship. We see that at least there are a number of people faithful to following the ways of the covenantal Law, although even this will fade over Rehoboam’s lifetime.

Rehoboam has a relationship with God, but it seems like his motives are questionable. It’s almost like he is only faithful to the Lord because he knows that doing so will bring him success. It’s like he is begrudgingly accepting that unless the Lord is with him, nothing he does will succeed. It’s a relationship of convenience, not of love.

Like all the kings before and after him, he still fails to abide by the instructions set out by Moses for a king of Israel (Deut. 17:17) taking for himself many wives and even having favourites among them.

How great a contrast between Rehoboam and the one true King who, though He was God, gave up his privileges and took the humble position of a slave (Phil. 2:6-7). The King whose faith and obedience held no convenience for himself but led to submitting himself to death on a cross.

Thought Point

Are you Christian because of what a relationship with God offers you or because you love God?

Prayer Point

Ask God to give you the humility of His Son Jesus to live in faithful obedience to His will.