Unwise Reaction to Rebellion by Pastor W.F Kumuyi

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY JULY 05, 2021

UNWISE REACTION TO REBELLION

TEXT: 1 Kings 12:16-24

KEY VERSE:
“So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, what portion have we in David? Neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tent, O Israel: now see to your own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tent.” – (1 Kings 12:16).

There is a story of an emperor in whose realm there was rebellion. Certain of his subjects were in revolt. The emperor was setting out to the scene of the uprising and said to his nobles, “come with me and see me destroy these rebels.” But when he reached the province he showed only kindness to those in revolt. He treated them with gentleness and affection. The result was that they laid down their arms and became his most loyal subjects. His nobles reminded him of his words to them, “come and see me destroy my enemies.” He replied, “I have destroyed my enemies, I have made them my friends.”

The passage reveals the result of Rehoboam’s unwise response to the request of his subjects to lessen the heavy yoke his father put on them. The twelve tribes of Israel came to him to request that their yoke be lightened, but he replied saying he would make it heavier. The reaction of the people was swift as they stoned Adoram, the tribute collector to death. This led to the division of Israel and an avoidable enmity between the divided kingdoms. Rehoboam assembled an 80,000 soldiers to fight against the house of Israel and bring them to subjection. But for a divine intervention through Shemaiah, his reaction would have led to a war between Israel and Judah.

Nations go to war today due to unwise reactions to issues of life. Economies and friendships collapse due to inability to manage actual or perceived rebellion wisely. Many homes have broken down because family members fail to react wisely to perceived rebellion by other members of the family.

Believers in authority should always reflect godly wisdom expected of heaven-bound pilgrims in issues of life. Nations, organizations, homes and the Church would fare better if those in position of leadership apply godly wisdom in handling grievances.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Godly character breeds godly homes.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 9-10