It took me about 15 minutes, in two settings, to read this passage. Five kings are discussed in this passage; three in Judah and two in Israel. Only one of those kings sought to follow the God of Israel. Rehoboam and Jeroboam lead both of their people away from God by building and worshiping idols. The entire land of promise was full of corruption; worse than in the times of the judges of Israel. Chapter 13 tells the story of an unnamed prophet who confront Jeroboam with the offense of his sin. This prophet’s life was in danger from the kings wrath, but God protected him. Jeroboam acted like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, but he didn’t repent of his evil ways. The prophet delivered God’s message and headed home in obedience to God’s word. But for some reason he stopped to rest. That was the beginning of his undoing. He had seen God deliver him from an unholy king, and he had the orders to not receive anything from anyone is Israel, but he stopped and rested. Maybe he was tired. Maybe he was hungry or thirsty. God had provided for his journey, but the prophet wanted more. Then he walked into disobedience and it cost him his life. I am thankful that the blood of Jesus covers the sin in my life when I want more than what God has given me the provisions to complete.
Stuart
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