The first three kings of Israel, Saul, David, and Solomon, ruled over the United Kingdom of all twelve tribes of Israel. After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam was slated to ascend the throne, but before his inauguration, the people made known their grievances. They said, “‘Your father put a heavy yoke [heavy taxes] on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.’ Rehoboam answered, ‘Go away for three days and then come back to me.’ So the people went away.” (1 Kings 12:4–5)
During those three days, Rehoboam consulted two very different groups of people. First, he asked older men who had served his father for their advice. 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.” (1 Kings 12:7)
The second group from whom he sought advice were his peers, others that had grown up around money, status, and luxury like he did. This younger group advised Rehoboam to not give in to the people, but to make it clear that he was boss. Their concept of leadership was that of exerting power and control over others to get what you want instead of serving those under you.
Rehoboam followed the advice of his peers. At the end of the three days, he told the people that, in response to their complaints, he’d make their lives even harder than his father had. As a result, the United Kingdom became a Divided Kingdom, with the ten northern tribes establishing their own nation and a different king. Rehoboam was left with only the two southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The north retained the name of Israel. The southern kingdom was called Judah.
Rehoboam never did change from his ungodly and selfish ways. Because of his administration, the people of both nations walked away from God. Such is the legacy of those who think leadership is about taking advantage of others to please themselves.
During the teen years, many kids reject the ways of their parents and choose, rather, to follow the advice of their friends. Therefore, it’s important to help our teens form friendships with teachers or coaches, and other adults who will reinforce our values. Karen and I found these kinds of men and women leading the Youth Group at church. They loved our kids and were godly examples. We’ll always be indebted to them for helping to guide our kids through their teen years.
Young people do not always give poor advice. Neither do all adults give good counsel. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he sought the opinion of his peers. They were selfish men, having grown up in privilege. Age doesn’t determine whether the advice is sound, but whether it is in alignment with Scripture: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1)
What is your concept of leadership? Is it about throwing your weight around to make people do what pleases you? That’s pretty selfish. Far different from that is the style of Jesus. His has been called servant-leadership. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Jesus is remembered, not for throwing His weight around and making people do what He wanted, but for His actions of serving them. His greatest act of service was allowing Himself to be crucified. Like someone taking the spanking that we deserved, He hung on a cross and suffered God’s wrath against our sin. Jesus paid the sin-debt that we owed.
My advice: repent of your sin and follow Jesus. You can count on it that He’ll never give you bad advice.
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Show comments Hide commentsWhat a wonderful, thoughtful and well researched article – I’ll be sure to share this often.
Thank you and God bless.