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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Abijah was outnumbered two-to-one in his battle against Jeroboam, yet he put his trust in you, and you gave him a great victory (2 Chr 13:18). I praise you today as the mighty God, the God who is strong on behalf of those who trust in you! Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the reign of Rehoboam and his son Abijah. Rehoboam remained faithful to you for three years after Solomon’s death, but when his rule “was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him” (2 Chr 12:1). This teaches me that strength and prosperity can often lead to pride. It also shows me how quickly a peaceful and wealthy kingdom can be undone by sin. Just five years after Solomon died, the temple and palace were ransacked by Shishak of Egypt. You told Rehoboam, “You abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak” (2 Chr 12:5). But Rehoboam did something his own father would not do—he humbled himself and confessed his sin. When he did, you had mercy on him and did not destroy Judah. This teaches me the importance of repentance, for there is always grace for those who humble themselves under your mighty hand (1 Pet 5:6). Rehoboam’s son Abijah repeated his father’s mistake. He started well, and you gave him victory over his rival Jeroboam, but after he became powerful (2 Chr 13:21), he forsook you and “walked in all the sins that his father did before him” (1 Kgs 15:3). How tragic that we so often put our trust in what we have been given rather than in you, the great Giver. Reflection You told Rehoboam that he would be Shishak’s slave so that he would learn the difference between serving you and serving the kings of other nations (2 Chr 12:8). If I’m wise, I will learn from Rehoboam’s folly and save myself the humiliation and shame of such discipline. Request Father, give me a heart that is wholly devoted to you like the heart of my spiritual father David. Help me not to turn aside from any of your commandments all the days of my life. Thanksgiving Thank you for the honor of serving you. I have no desire to learn what it’s like to serve Satan! May I always remember where my blessings come from and be grateful to you! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Is Thy Heart Right with God?” — Elisha A. Hoffman. Meditation Verse: 2 Chronicles 13:12.