Articles
Turning Points in Bible History - 11
After 120 years of existence as a unified monarchy, the Israelites turned against each other in civil strife. God had included many things in the Law of Moses to prevent alienation and division, but it happened anyway due to carnal attitudes and callous disregard for each other and for God’s purposes.
Following the harsh treatment by Solomon, the northern tribes felt disenfranchised. Solomon’s successor, son Rehoboam, rejected their plea for better conditions and vowed to curb the rebellion through force (1 Kgs 12). Scripture tells how Rehoboam rejected older advisors who counseled gentleness in favor of his younger peers who foolishly encouraged a hard-line approach.
A single decision by one person at a particular moment of time can alter the course of the world for generations. Oh for the wisdom to anticipate the consequences of our decisions!
Takeaway #1: Sometimes younger people have fresh, imaginative and energetic ideas that move beyond what has become ineffective and irrelevant. This is a necessary element of progress and should be appreciated and utilized.
Takeaway #2: All energy has to be harnessed and focused in order to achieve a productive outcome. Youthful enthusiasm must be tempered by judgment of the experienced. There is simply no substitute for living awhile and learning in the classroom of real life. A strong church has both of these elements working in harmony.
