EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God

Monday, April

Division

1 Kings 12

After Solomon’s death, his son, Rehoboam, became king. It was Rehoboam’s job to unite the people who were split in their allegiance between him and Jeroboam who had earlier claimed kingship. Rehoboam’s first decision as king involved rejecting the wise counsel of the elders who said he should be the people’s servant by lowering taxes and reducing forced labor on the people. Instead Rehoboam followed the foolish counsel of the young men who encouraged him to increase his subjects’ burden. With this one harsh act the Israelites rebelled against Rehoboam and made Jeroboam their king. Thus, the kingdom split into the tribes of the north called Israel ruled by Jeroboam and Judah in the south ruled by Rehoboam. Fearing the people would return to King Rehoboam, Jeroboam built a new place to worship in the north and led the Israelites into idolatry by making sacrifices to two golden calves he made for the people to worship.

Sample of Today's Reading:
1 Kings 12:7 “They replied, ‘If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.’”

To read today's full reading click here: 1 Kings 12

Question of the Day:

Everywhere we are receiving advice as to how we should live our lives. Who are you listening to? Is the advice wise or foolish? How do you know?

Prayer Focus:

Please, wise God, help me to hear and obey your voice of wisdom that I might be a servant to others and a dispenser of grace to the world.