START WELL, LIVE WELL AND FINISH WELL!

START WELL, LIVE WELL AND FINISH WELL!

They strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.  —II Chronicles 11:17

When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. —II Chronicles 12:1

            How sad when people start out well, but do not continue or finish well.  When Rehoboam first started to reign, he and the people “strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.”  They started out being faithful to the Lord.

            But when “When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.”  It seems when people get comfortable and things are going well, they are less apt to depend on the Lord and depend more upon themselves.  This principle was mentioned by the Lord in Deuteronomy 8:11-14— 

“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

            The warning is that when you get established and things are going well, don’t forget who made that possible.  But man is quick to take the credit himself and think what they have was done by their own hands.  For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.” (Isaiah 10:13).  They are not careful to remember and “forget the Lord your God.”

            What about you and I?  How did we start off when we began following our Lord?  Do you remember those early days and the joy He brought to us as we came into relationship with Him?  How is your joy today?  How are you following Him today?  Have you matured since those early days?  Are you continuing to mature?  Do you have the passion and zeal that you once did?

            In years past I would ask those serving overseas, when they came back to the states on furlough, what they saw here that was a major hindrance to spiritual growth.  Their answer was always the same— materialism.  Have we grown so comfortable, as followers of Jesus, in this nation that we live like we don’t need Jesus?  Do we live like Christian atheists?  Or, are you and I truly being dependent on our Lord, wanting to finish well and hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant?”  Oh, that we would be living that way.  Yes, Dear Father, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ4lAVu9VwU