1 Kings 12 … Consider His Turn of Events

Originally posted: 2/20/2020

So the king did not listen to the people; for it was a turn of events from the Lord, that He might establish His word, which the Lord spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat, (12:15).

Yes, I admit, today is one of those days that does not line up with my own understanding. Solomon’s son, in his prideful youth, rejects the counsel of those who know better, even before he gathered his friends to have his ears tickled.

And in this scenario, I was reminded of Proverbs 20:24:

Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord,
How then can man understand his way?

And without violating man’s free will, man’s life choices are directed by His Turn of Events. And let’s just all accept the reality,  there is much about His Turn of Events we simply do not understand.

But He reiterates the fact. This thing had come from Him; it was in fact His Turn of Events.

“Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin and to the rest of the people, saying, ²⁴ ‘Thus says the Lord, “You must not go up and fight against your relatives the sons of Israel; return every man to his house, for this thing has come from Me,”’” (12:23-24).

Consider His Turn of Event

• His Turn of Events offers wise counsel.
  • King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you counsel me to answer this people?”… ⁸ But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him, (12:6, 8).

• His Turn of Events establishes His Word.
  • So the king did not listen to the people; for it was a turn of events from the Lord, that He might establish His word… (12:15).
    

• His Turn of Events presents opportunities for obedience.
  • It came about when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, that they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. None but the tribe of Judah followed the house of David, (12:20).
  • ‘Thus says the Lord, “You must not go up and fight against your relatives the sons of Israel; return every man to his house, for this thing has come from Me.”’” So they listened to the word of the Lord, and returned and went their way according to the word of the Lord, (12:24).

•  His Turn of Events comes from Him.
  • “…for this thing has come from Me,” (12:24).

•  His Turn of Events reveals the heart of man.
  • Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will return to the house of David. ²⁷ If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will return to their lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” ²⁸ So the king consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt,” (12:25-29 emphasis added).

• His Turn of Events permits free will.
  • Then he went up to the altar which he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised in his own heart… (12:33 emphasis added).

How do we respond to His Turn of Events?

Although we do not fully understand His Ways, He has given us what we do need through faith in His Son, in order to be brought into relationship with Him and to live a life that is both prudent and blessed. So, while we cannot explain how His Sovereignty is coupled with our free will, we do know it is His Turn of Events we want to experience.

•  We can cooperate with His Turn of Events as we seek His wise counsel.
  • My son, if you will receive my words
    And treasure my commandments within you,
    ² Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
    Incline your heart to understanding;
    ³ For if you cry for discernment,
    Lift your voice for understanding;
    ⁴ If you seek her as silver
    And search for her as for hidden treasures;
    ⁵ Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
    And discover the knowledge of God, (Proverbs 2:1-5).

•  We will grow to trust His Turn of Events as He establishes His Word.
  • “For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word,” (Luke 1:37-38).

•  We must submit to His Turn of Events when He presents opportunities for obedience.
  • How blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    Who walk in the law of the Lord.
    ² How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
    Who seek Him with all their heart.
    ³ They also do no unrighteousness;
    They walk in His ways, (Psalm 119:1-3).

•  We must study His Word so we can stand strong in the truth, convinced His Turn of Events comes from Him.
  • And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose, (Romans 8:28).

•  We must commit to transparency as His Turn of Events reveals our heart.
  • And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do, (Hebrews 12:13).

• Let us surrender our free will to the One Who loved us and gave Himself up for us, that we would rely by faith on His Turn of Events to live the crucified life with Christ.
  • I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me, (Galatians 2:20).

Let’s Grow Together!