1 Kings 12 - Jeroboam's Idolatry | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to 1 Kings Chapter 12, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In 1 Kings Chapter 12 the kingdom of Israel divides into two kingdoms called Israel and Judah. This is historically important to understand because when speaking of Israel, we must know which Israel we speak of as there are many, none of which are to be confused with the modern nation of Israel.The son of Solomon, King Rehoboam faces a revolt from day one The forced labor of his father Solomon wasn’t in God’s plan for the nation, and the tribes want it to stop. Repealing it would have been a good thing as it was never commanded by God. Rehoboam wants to prove he is more of a man than his father and says, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.” He says he will increase their suffering. In this decision he loses ten of the tribes and the nation splits.Commentator Coffman said that growing up as a spoiled and pampered palace brat might not have helped Rehoboam. Children who grow up accustomed to privilege find it hard to appreciate what life is really like. This is why some wealthy men do not leave an inheritance for their children, but make them work for it.This is also why God, who calls us his sons and daughters, doesn’t just give us anything we want, but we have to grow into it through faith, prayer and learning to walk with him. The King of the northern nation of Israel is Jeroboam I. He said “it is too much for you to go to Jerusalem.” He wanted them to stay away to strengthen his political hold. So he instituted a new religion, with new priests, two new golden calves and a new festival.This was a terrible wickedness. Jerusalem is a picture of the church, which is even called “the new Jerusalem” in Revelation 21. We must make the effort to go to Jerusalem. When we opt for the easy out because it is “too much” we soon fall away. Some people say they can have church on their own, but the church IS the people. How can anyone have church without being with the people.