1 Kings 12:20 When the people of Israel learned of Jeroboam’s return from Egypt, they called an assembly and made him king over all Israel. So only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the family of David.
I had made a promise to David that his descendants would be on the throne as king forever. Then, Solomon’s son Jeroboam betrayed me and worshipped false gods. So I stripped his kingdom down. Instead of being King over all 12 tribes – all of my chosen people — he was king over only his tribe, the tribe of Judah. All others banded together under another king. Because of my promise to David, I did not strip his family of kingship entirely. But there were severe consequences to Jeroboam’s sins. Loss of almost all of his kingdom and his people. Loss of status. Loss of respect. Loss of power. Loss of connection with others. Loss of connection to me. You are my beloved child. You are saved and sealed with the blood of Christ. But do not be fooled. Your sins come with consequences. Consequences that affect your relationship with me, your ability to hear me, your experience when you join me in Heaven. Do not be swayed by the popular notion – even in those that call themselves my Church – that you can do whatever you want, and I will forgive and look the other way. Yes, I love you. I love you enough to discipline you. I love you enough to teach you that wrong is wrong. I love you enough to demand you keep working on your behaviors, your thoughts, your words – working toward being more Christ-like. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that anything you do is ok since I will forgive you. Forgiveness for true repentance is there but damage is done.
Amanuensis 