Jeroboam thought to himself, “Unless I am careful, the kingdom will return to the dynasty of David. When these people go to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Temple of the Lord, they will again give their allegiance to King Rehoboam of Judah. They will kill me and make him their king instead.” So on the advice of his counselors, the king made two gold calves. He said, “…Look, Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of Egypt!” …But this became a great sin, for the people worshiped the idols… – 1 Kings 12:26-30 (NLT)
Who were Jeroboam’s advisers? The Bible did not actually say but we can conclude that they were not God’s choices.
Jeroboam’s first error was to rely on and run with his own thoughts without spiritual guidance. His second error was to take advice from people who were not God’s chosen prophets or priests. One would have thought that he would seek advice from the prophet Ahijah who told him he would be king.
Scripture says that “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers” Proverbs 11:14 (NLT). Also, “The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.” Proverbs 24:5-6 (NLT)
We can often be tempted to go along with advice and guidance from people around us without reference to what scripture teaches. We figure that they must have good reasons for their advice, and we don’t truly look to scripture to see for ourselves.
A comment from the first blog on Jeroboam said, “It is so important for us to be sure for ourselves what the counsel of God is in the scriptures. But to do so in the company of godly brothers and sisters who can encourage, challenge, and help us to remain as faithful disciples of Christ.”
When we live among people in a particular place long enough, we pick up the culture, values and ethics of those people. We are influenced positively or negatively by the culture of the society or group we are part of.
I have often wondered why Aaron made the golden calf. I don’t think Aaron suddenly became an unbeliever in God when he encouraged the people to worship the image. Aaron and Jeroboam must have been victims of the surrounding societies and cultures they grew up in.
I believe this is one of the reasons Jesus prayed for His disciples, “…And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” John 17:14-17 (NLT)
Some Christians find it easy to connect with God with the aid of a cross, candles, music, and paintings. If not checked, these aids of worship may quickly and unintentionally lead to idol worship. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT)
LORD, help us not to set up any idol physically or in our heart no matter how we think it aids us in worshipping You, Amen.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 