I was reading about Rehoboam this week. The Chronicler writes that after Rehoboam’s position as king had been established and he became strong, he and all of Israel abandoned the law of the Lord. As a result, God brought judgement upon Israel through Shishak, King of Egypt. However, before God brought this judgment, God through His mercy, sent Rehoboam a prophet to warn him of the impending judgement. Because of this prophecy, Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves. When the Lord saw their humility, He relented from his wrath and destruction.
Every one of us have had moments like this. Our lives are going well–we are well established and strong. And how easy it is to forget God and at times even turn away from God. God promises to discipline us, not because he hates us but because He loves us. But sometimes, even before the discipline, God brings a messenger of mercy into our lives–confronting us, challenging us–to turn back to God. And if we will choose to humble ourselves by the power of the Holy Spirit, God will in turn forgive us and restore us. God is always moved by the work of His Spirit in our lives; and humility is always a work of the Spirit. Choose humility this week. God takes notice when you do.