In my previous article, I discussed King Jeroboam’s ascent to the throne as King of Israel. Jeroboam was chosen by God to succeed Solomon on the throne of David in the stead of the heir apparent, Rehoboam. However, Jeroboam did not honor God’s law. In fact, he instituted unauthorized worship and convenient gatherings for God’s people rather than following the protocols instituted by God. Jeroboam’s wickedness influenced the nation for generations to come. We often read this assessment of kings who superseded Jeroboam and later followed in his steps: “He did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin with which he made Israel to sin” (1 Kings 15:34).
As soon as Jeroboam became king, he introduced a new system of worship into Israel. While there are many valuable lessons to be learned from Jeroboam’s life and reign as king, we want to focus our attention on the false worship he introduced to the people. This worship is described in 1 Kings 12:25-33 and 1 Kings 13:33-34.
Specifically, 1 Kings 12:26-31 reads:
Jeroboam said in his heart, “The kingdom will return to the house of David. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again to their lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.”
At that point, the king got some advice and made two golden calves and said to the people, “It is too difficult for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” He set one in Bethel, and he put the other in Dan. This was a sin, for the people went to worship before the one, even all the way in Dan.
He also made houses on high places and appointed priests from among all the people who were not Levites.
Where Was the Error in Jeroboam’s Convenient Worship?
Before we answer that question, we should note that Jeroboam was a man who was involved in religious activity, and in the eyes of many people, that was all that mattered. Jeroboam’s example demonstrated that it is possible to operate in a religious capacity yet not please God. Jehovah said to Jeroboam, “You have sinned more than all who were before you, for you have gone and made other gods and molded images and provoked Me to anger and have cast Me behind your back” (1 Kings 14:9).
In the final installment of this series, The Effects of Devaluing Worship, we will examine the reasons why Jeroboam’s worship was sin and make the final comparisons to the culture-crafted worship we see today! Until then, dig into God’s biblical pattern for worship and be mindful to study and obey! {eoa}
Apostle Nona Parker is a 21st-century apostle dedicated to cultivating guardians for God’s kingdom. Apostle Nona desires to see men and women of God move from being simply consumers of His grace to becoming producers of His power. Her ministry impact moves people from fear to greatness and unveils their rightful place in His kingdom. Her resources, services and programs are designed for those who want to build, edify, expand and advance the Lord’s church. As a 21 year pastor of Antioch Christian Assembly in Joliet, Illinois, Apostle Nona has learned how to become a “wise master builder.” Merging more than 7 church entities into a single collaborative vision, she has garnered years of experience and expertise in church planting, ministry development, leadership training and coaching, including mediation and conflict resolution. Apostle Nona is often sought out to speak and teach as well as train apostles, prophets, fivefold leaders and upcoming ministers in kingdom advancement, guardianship and governance. This dynamic leader has developed prophetic curriculum and hosted numerous conferences and workshops, including the establishment of an online training camp titled “Shamar Prophets.” Learn more by visiting nonaparker.com
