Today’s Reading

Second Chronicles 10-12; John 13:18-38

Selected Verses

And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord. 2 Chronicles 12:14

I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.”  I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.  John 13:18-19

Reflections

The arrogance of mortal man is often astounding. Rehoboam grew up as a grandson of David and prince under his father, Solomon, during the glory days of the old united kingdom of Israel. For him it was easy to assume that nothing would change unless it was for the better. When he took the throne, Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of his elders and followed the foolish advice of his peers. As a result, he lost control of the ten tribes of Israel and was left with only Judah and Benjamin. He failed to be a good king or a good spiritual leader to the nation. The Chronicler says, “He did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord.”

Judas accompanied Jesus and the disciples. Outwardly, he appeared to be one of them. When Jesus sent him out, no one thought it was unusual. No one suspected him. But what was in his heart was about to come out. He gave place to Satan and Satan entered into him. He, like Rehoboam, did not set his heart to seek the Lord. Like Rehoboam, God called his number. Judas died by suicide (Matthew 27:3-10; Acts 1:18-19).

Think about it

Whatever we do during our lifetimes, we do with God’s resources. We breath His air, we walk on His earth, and we depend on His sustenance and providence to keep us going. Then, like everyone else from kings to paupers, we die. What did we do and what did we stand for? Eventually the truth comes out.

Is it time for a heart check? Let us set our hearts to seek the Lord and pray for grace to keep that focus all the days of our lives. The heart that is set to seek the Lord will not be easily moved or inhabited by Satan. Are you in?

© 2017 John A Carroll  Used by permission