“Go tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Because I exalted you from among the people, made you leader over my people Israel, and tore the kingdom away from the house of David to give it to you; yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my sight, but you have done evil above all those who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods, and cast images, provoking me to anger, and thrust me behind your back; therefore, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will consume the house of Jeroboam, just as one burns up dung until it is all gone.’” 1 Kings 14:7-10

By God’s hand Jeroboam becomes king of Israel, he then selfishly squandered the opportunities to lead positively. We read in 13:33-34, “Even after this event Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but made priests for the high places again from among all the people; any who wanted to be priests he consecrated for the high places. This matter became sin to the house of Jeroboam, so as to cut it off and to destroy it from the face of the earth.” Careless disobedience is expensive, not only is Jeroboam punished personally but causes future generations to pay the price as well. When one is chosen by God to lead God’s people does not free the chosen one to do anything they so desire. The if/then (see 4.26.2016) covenantal situation still exists, the rules still apply, and one is obligated to obedience not freed to sin. As we will read over and over as we progress through 1 Kings, the people of God in both Israel and Judah are blind to the cycle of sin they are experiencing and those chosen to lead are numb to the long term consequences of those sins. O God as a leader, (husband, father, friend, pastor) give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart and mind willing to follow you in obedience; as those you sent me to lead, follow me, ensure they only follow after me because I follow you and am obedient to you. Let them speak up if I turn the wrong way and allow me to receive correction.