Read 1 Kings 11-12
Solomon started well as king but sadly, like his father, he had a roving eye and was distracted by his many lovers – the Bible numbers them at 1,000 wives and girlfriends. He did not follow God’s ways, and so God promised to remove the leadership of his people from Solomon. This didn’t happen in Solomon’s lifetime but he did face challenges to his power, one of which came from Jeroboam.
Jeroboam was a hard working man who led well, in contrast to Solomon at this point. He receives a prophecy telling him ten of the twelve tribes of God’s people will be removed from Solomon and be led by him. Upon Solomon’s death, Jeroboam approaches his successor, Rehoboam (similar names, but about display quite different styles!) to negotiate terms of peace. Jeroboam and his men will serve Rehoboam if he will lighten their load. Rehoboam takes two lots of advice – the first suggests if he does what he is asked, the men will serve him faithfully forever. The second advice is the opposite. Work them harder. Show no mercy.
Power corrupts. Or does it? Is it the presence of power that leads people astray, or are people prone to putting their own interests first all the time, and power simply amplifies the effect of this? Most of us probably don’t consider ourselves powerful. We aren’t the leaders of nations. But we are mistaken if we don’t think we have power. If we are responsible for managing others in work or voluntary capacities, we can make a huge difference to others’ lives. But we don’t have to be in obvious positions of power to be powerful. Many of us have social skills and connections which enable us to include outsiders, or gain a bigger stage for ourselves by ensuring their exclusion. We have the power to influence the mood of those around us by our actions, words and attitudes. We may not have much money, but how we spend what we do have exercises power over those who produce what we purchase. By what principles then shall we exercise our power?
Rehoboam chooses to raise his own profile. He makes claims of great strength where he could have shown kindness and mercy. And he’s paid out for it. Ten tribes follow Jeroboam, and Rehoboam must watch on while the lion’s share of God’s people follow a leader who puts up idols for the people and respects none of God’s laws for proper worship. Had he chosen to show mercy, might things have been different? He’ll never know.
And time works in the same way for us. Our power exercised over others cannot be undone. We cannot wind back the clock and have another go. Thankfully, we’ve already explored that there is light. God is slow to anger and rich in love towards his people. He brings forgiveness and slowly, carefully, he binds the wounds of those who have been wounded by power. We don’t however use this as an excuse not to look at the power we have now and consider whether it could be better exercised. Rehoboam did not take that chance, and we leave the people of God in a dark place. They need a rescuer. And they’re still waiting…
Reflect
What power do you have that perhaps you weren’t aware of?
Are there places you could exercise your power better?
Have you been wounded by the misuse of power? What does this account tell you about God’s feelings towards that?
Susie lives in NE Fife and works in ministry. She loves being with friends, feeding people and half finished creative projects.
