Repenting After You Fail God
Jeroboam was from the tribe of Ephraim, a servant of King Solomon and the son of a widow. Later, he became the first king of Israel's divided northern kingdom. God divided the kingdom because of the idol worship of the Israelites during Solomon's time (1 Ki 11: 33). A remnant of the kingdom would be retained by the house of David, including Jerusalem, because of the covenant with David (1 Ki 11: 32).
1 Kings 11:37-38 reads:
And I will take you, and you shall reign over all your that soul desires, and you shall be king over Israel. And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you.
In this passage, God lays out the benchmark or yardstick by which all kings of Israel and Judah were measured: "And if you will listen to all that I command you, and walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you, and I will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give you Israel."
David's life was frustrating, first living under the shadow of his brothers, then constantly fleeing from vengeful King Saul. Even after he became king of Israel, David was engaged in almost constant warfare to defend the kingdom. King David was an excellent warrior, but he could not conquer himself - one night of lust with Bathsheba had disastrous consequences for him. Yet God would compare the kings to come with David. Why so?
David exercised patience, obedience, and reverence for the Lord throughout his life, actually waiting for years, resting in the Lord's timing for his kingdom. David was careful to follow the commands of the Lord, even during battle. David was careful about the promises he made. He kept his promises. Even after King Saul's son, Jonathan's, death, David kept his promise, treating Jonathan's lame son well.
He constantly inquired of the Lord for guidance and was much more interested in what pleased God. When David sinned and repented, the Bible says he did not even allow servants to attend to him in his remorse. God was looking for these qualities.
It is important to fear, honour, trust, and reverence God. We should obey him with our hearts, not just in an outward way. In obedience to our Lord, we should not worry about what others think. When we fail, we must be truly repentant, not just before men, but before God. We should care more about what God thinks than what others think.
God seeks out and blesses those who do what is right in His sight.
Father God
As much as I want to obey You right away, I struggle to do so. Delay in obedience is still disobedience. Above all else, I want to make wise decisions that honour and please You. Because I need Your grace and Spirit to obey, I rest in You and trust You are working in my regenerated heart. Give me a hunger for Your Word so I can say no to the world and the flesh and yes to You. Thank You for finishing the work You have begun in me.
In Jesus’ name, amen.