1 Kings 12

Daily Devotional from 1 Kings 12--


Verse 7
And (the old men) said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.”
 
Dear Rehoboam,
 
Congrats on obtaining the Kingdom. May you reign in the grace of David and the wisdom of your father, Solomon.
 
Thank you for consulting us regarding your new duties. Some would have you believe your new role entitles you to instant respect. Not so. Others will encourage you to rule with an iron fist. This is sheer folly. Although we are advanced in age, we offer you timeless truth.
 
Great servants make great leaders. Live for the people and not for yourself, and an army of men will encamp around you and the daughters of Israel will sing your praise. But if you choose to be served, rather than serve, you will rend a nation in two. You may try to lead, but if you fail to love, all your efforts will be for naught.
 
May you choose wisely,
The old men of Solomon’s Court
 
Demetrius Rogers