Perspective

If we only had the Chronicles account of Abijah he could easily have been heralded as a great king of Judah. We have one brief glimpse into his life at a pivotal moment where he relied on the Lord and was victorious. Yet the book of Kings gives a very different perspective. Abijah was just another Rehoboam, reliant on the Lord when it suited him but guilty of all the sins of his father.

The book of Kings gives much needed context to the story of Abijah in the Chronicles. It shows just how gracious God is to give Abijah the victory. Just as God was gracious to Rehoboam to allow him to rule Judah, he was gracious to Abijah to allow him to keep it. The only thing to their credit was that they relied on the Lord (albeit only when it suited them) and the promise God had made to David.

But God’s grace in this situation had consequences, it allowed the continuation of Israel’s sin as they moved further and further away from Him. Ultimately, God had to find a new way. A way where His mercy and justice would shine through and yet also fulfil his promise to David. He would raise up a new king, a King who was human like us in every way but without sin, an heir of David, who would establish his kingdom for all eternity.

It is truly astonishing how God has woven all of history in a way that always finds new ways to display the depth of his love and mercy.

Thought Point

How is God revealing to you new depths to His love and mercy?

Prayer Point

Ask for God to reveal His love and mercy to you. Spend time dwelling in His love.