Are you turning?

Jul 14 2022 - Justin Raby

1 Kings 13:33 After this event Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way… 

Let’s walk through this passage together to make sure we understand it and then see how it could be devotional and affection stirring for us. The phrase “After this event” is referring to Jeroboam hearing God’s word from a prophet. Do you notice the response from Him? After he hears the proclamation of the WORD he does not turn from his EVIL way. In God’s graciousness and love He sends His word to Jeroboam and it does not affect him in the least. He continues running in the same direction, towards his dysfunction, towards his distress, towards his calamity. God gives His soul satisfying word to Jeroboam and he trades it for his own wisdom and self sufficiency doing the very opposite of what would have resulted in lasting joy. The scripture goes on to say that he and his house would be exterminated and destroyed off the face of the earth. That is not the hope or desire of any king. No king wakes up in the morning thinking, “I can’t wait to be exterminated.” Oddly enough Jeroboam’s name is a combination of words that mean something to the effect of “tossed by the people.” Jeroboam was influenced by the people rather than God, influenced by himself instead of the word, trusted in man rather than God.

So what does any of this mean for us? It should move us to ask if we have turned from our evil way? Have we heard the word of God revealed in the Bible and rejoiced or have we continued in our ol’ regular way of doing things? Are we swayed (tossed) by the opinion of man or should we be fully convinced of God’s truth and God’s Son? Are we running to the satisfying Savior revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, or are we running towards extermination? Looking at this verse and story manifests God’s great love… He sends His word forth and the response for infinite joy, grace, love and peace is found nowhere else. The book is worthy to be opened, not just on Sunday, but everyday of the week for it shows us the way to turn, and I for one need constant reminders to turn towards the Son. Everyday there is a temptation for me to trust in my own wisdom, thinking and way. That is one reason we all should be in the word, for it helps us turn from our evil way. Get in the word today!

Until the whole world savors an accurate view of JESUS that leads to a joy-filled obedience!