During King Rehoboam’s reign (1 Kings 14:21), Rehoboam flatly rejected a request from representatives of the 10 tribes of Israel to lower the heavy tax burden imposed by his father Solomon. His decision was based on arrogance and pride, and it caused the 10 tribes to break away from Judah (1 Kings 12:1-20).
Some folks might ask, “Why blame Rehoboam? Did not God announce to Solomon that his kingdom would be divided, thus making King Rehoboam’s choice inevitable?” (cf. 1 Kings 11:11-13; 1 Kings 11:29-32).
James 1:13 clearly refutes such reasoning. God does not tempt anyone to sin and make a prideful choice. His announcement to Solomon years before, placed no necessity upon Rehoboam to do what he did. In fact, God said that if a nation confesses its wrong, He would relent from the disaster He had thought to bring upon it (Jeremiah 18:7-8).
As Christians, we must not blame God when we sin. We are responsible for our actions (Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8; Gal. 6:5). While it is reassuring to know that God understands our weaknesses and our temptations (Psalm 103:14), we must avoid rationalizing. God makes no allowance for excuses (Acts 17:30-31).
How wonderful then is the fact that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).
How great is the loving and forgiving nature of our heavenly Father! (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:5-8; Isaiah 55:7).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
Some folks might ask, “Why blame Rehoboam? Did not God announce to Solomon that his kingdom would be divided, thus making King Rehoboam’s choice inevitable?” (cf. 1 Kings 11:11-13; 1 Kings 11:29-32).
James 1:13 clearly refutes such reasoning. God does not tempt anyone to sin and make a prideful choice. His announcement to Solomon years before, placed no necessity upon Rehoboam to do what he did. In fact, God said that if a nation confesses its wrong, He would relent from the disaster He had thought to bring upon it (Jeremiah 18:7-8).
As Christians, we must not blame God when we sin. We are responsible for our actions (Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8; Gal. 6:5). While it is reassuring to know that God understands our weaknesses and our temptations (Psalm 103:14), we must avoid rationalizing. God makes no allowance for excuses (Acts 17:30-31).
How wonderful then is the fact that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).
How great is the loving and forgiving nature of our heavenly Father! (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:5-8; Isaiah 55:7).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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