The owl’s reputation for wisdom and intelligence is well-deserved. With incredibly keen eyesight, excellent hearing, and exceptional sensory abilities, owls can detect even the slightest movements. This combination of visual and auditory acuity makes them fearsome hunters. If I were lost in the woods, I would definitely seek wisdom from an owl to help me survive.
But what about the challenges of everyday life? When you’re struggling with life’s issues, who do you turn to for wisdom and guidance?
Why Listening to Wise Counsel Matters
Today study is on King Rehoboam
1 Kings 11:43 to 1 Kings 14:31
2 Chronicles 9:31 to 2 Chronicles 12:16
After his father died, Rehoboam ascended to the throne with a sense of entitlement, expecting certain loyalties and privileges. He surrounded himself with people who fed his ego, leading him to overestimate his abilities as king.
When faced with a critical decision, he sought counsel from both the elders who had served his father and his peers, the young men he grew up with. Ultimately, he chose to follow the self-serving advice of his peers, listening to those who fed his ego rather than considering wise counsel.
If everyone agrees with you, that doesn’t mean you are right. It just means you need to increase your circle of friends
By following the self-serving advice of his peers, he made decisions that led to the division of his kingdom, causing long-term consequences for his people. His downfall was rooted in arrogance and a failure to walk humbly with God,
Towards the end of his reign, Rehoboam faced continual challenges and conflicts.
His disobedience forced God to send trouble. Egypt invaded Jerusalem, seizing all the treasures from both the house of the Lord and Rehoboam’s palace.
Throughout the Bible, God is shown to use various circumstances, including trouble and adversity, to draw people closer to Him. Often, when people face difficulties or challenges, they are more open to seeking God, turning to Him for comfort, guidance, and restoration.
When Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves, acknowledging God’s justice, God responded with mercy. Although they still faced consequences, God spared them from complete destruction. Rehoboam’s act of humility pleased God’s anger, highlighting that even in times of judgment, God’s mercy is available to those who repent.
2 Chronicle 12:12
“Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.”
For most of my life, I was an immature Christian, seeking guidance from those with more knowledge of the Bible, as well as from non-Christians, friends, and family members, basically anyone, then I would form my own decisions based on what suited me rather than God’s will.
I was destined to be a spiritual kindergartener forever.
James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God does not want us to remain spiritual kindergarteners forever.
He desires us to mature and grow in our faith, becoming strong and wise through His Word.
Wisdom is a divine gift from God, something to be sought after diligently.
Wisdom is more than just knowledge.
it is the ability to make Godly decisions and live according to God’s will,
It is the ability to discern truth and righteousness,
It is the kind of insight that enables us to make sound decisions, understand complex situations, and live life’s challenges with grace
In today’s world, we are bombarded with messages from influencers and motivational speakers, but not all align with God’s Word. It is crucial to make wise distinctions choosing teachings that lead us closer to God’s truth and His plans for our lives. Ensuring that our choices and beliefs honor God and lead us towards His purpose for our lives.
Be careful about who we seek advice from, as misguided advice can lead us astray.
Misguided information can lead to confusion, wrong decisions, and ultimately, spiritual and personal harm and destruction, Just as King Rehoboam.
By God’s grace and mercy, I have been seeking Him diligently, striving to deepen my knowledge. Through personal experience, I’ve learned, that not fully understanding God, can lead to destructive choices.
I’m now on a path toward spiritual maturity and my understanding of God’s will for my life has grown immensely! Despite the consequence for my actions, which I truly deserved, I am truly blessed.
God now has my full heart which is an incredible feeling that I can’t describe.
The most significant lesson from King Rehoboam’s life is the value of seeking wise counsel, continuously seeking God, and maintaining humility before Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Join me on my journey paved by God’s guidance – I invite you to join me and find inspiration in the remarkable ways God moves in our lives (echosofmyfootsteps.com)
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