Powering Up

In the early days of Israel's kingdom, after David and Solomon had passed from the scene, there was a lot of transition. When there's transition, there's opportunity for anxiety. And when there is anxiety, there's opportunity to respond according to God's ways or the ways of the world. 

Read this passage about how Solomon's son, Rehoboam, reacted to the anxiety he faced:

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’”

    -1 Kings 12:8-11

Young Rehoboam decides to power up over the people and it wrecks Israel. Side note: another translation is, "My little finger is bigger than your private parts!" - sounds like 'man talk' doesn't it?.

But I bet you can understand Rehoboam. You know what it's like to face an anxious situation. You know the temptation to power up. You've given into it plenty of times before, just like I have. For Rehoboam, his decision split Israel, and it would never be united again. That's because there's a high cost when we power up. Take some time today to repent for how you've powered up. Get in touch with the sadness about how you've messed up relationships, jobs, family, or finances. Tell God you're sorry. 

Then listen to these words, calling you into the Kingdom of Light:

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

     -Jesus, in Matthew 11:29-30 The Message