Scripture: 2nd Chronicles 10:6-7
Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the older men who had attended his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” They answered him, “If you will be kind to this people and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.”
Thought for the Day: Like many stories in scripture, there is an important lesson to be drawn. And just because something happened almost 3000 years ago among kings, it does not suggest that 21st century people in a middle income bracket are not susceptible to the same questions, issues and blunders. In the case of King Rehoboam, he made the decision to take the advice of so called friends over those whose wisdom had a proven track record. In these two verses, he asks for the advice of the wise, but vs. 8 begins with the words, “But he rejected the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him…” This foolhardy advice led to the abuse of human beings and the eventual downfall of Rehoboam. When we are young, we dismiss the opinions and insights of the Elders (those with life experiences) because of a desire to be rebellious. At times, old thought needs to be turned upside down, but let us never dismiss the old just because it is old…and let us not dismiss the opinions of those who are older than us just because they are older than us.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the wisdom of those who have seen things and experience things I have not. May I listen carefully, and if possible, draw upon their experiences so as not to make the same mistakes they made. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
Lent 101
Study at noon and 6:30pm
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