1 Kings 11:26-43 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman… I. THE UNWEARIED EFFORTS OF GOD TO WIN MEN FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. This is the beginning of the story of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 1. He is met by mercy. The widow's son is made king of Israel. 2. By counsel and promise (ver. 38). The seed is east upon the stony ground and among the thorns, as well as upon the good soil. Learn - 1. That, like the great husbandman, we should sow the seed of the kingdom everywhere; though men may not hear, God is served and glorified in that offered mercy. 2. It is no proof that all is well with us, that we have been the recipients of God's goodness, or that His Word has touched and searched our heart: is there any fruit? II. THE SPIRIT REQUIRED IN ORDER TO REAP LASTING BENEFIT FROM OTHERS' DISASTERS. 1. Sympathy with them in their suffering. The judgment which is to fall upon Solomon and Israel is laid upon Jeroboam's heart. He went out clothed with a new garment, he returned with a handful of fragments, the symbol of the new kingdom and the effect of God's judgment. We cannot rightly enter into blessing springing from another's loss if we pass in with a light heart. 2. Recognition of them as still objects of Divine mercy (vers. 34, 36). The house of David was not to be utterly cast out. The love that smiles on us is still round them. 3. Recognition that the gift we receive is from the hand of the same Master. Blessing and judgment hang for him upon the same issues (vers. 33, 38). Only in lowliness and brotherliness can we rightly receive the gifts God sends us. III. THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF THWARTING THE DIVINE PURPOSE (ver. 40). 1. Solomon's attempt to remove the danger by slaying Jeroboam is defeated. His life is guarded till his work is done. 2. It only serves the Divine purpose. Jeroboam's enmity is secured. He is sent down to Egypt and strengthened by alliance with a power unfriendly to Israel. Fighting against God, we only bind our cords the more firmly, we kick against the pricks. To humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God will bring us into the light of mercy: to contend with Him is destruction. - U. Parallel Verses KJV: And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. |
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