Day 160 - Trusting God's Control (Ecclesiastes 11-12, 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10, 2 Chronicles 11) - Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• Ecclesiastes 11:7-10, Ecclesiastes 12, 1 Kings 12:1-20, 2 Chronciles 10, 1 Kings 12:21-24, 2 Chronciles 11:1-4, 1 Kings 12:25-33, 2 Chronciles 11:5-17

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Control

As we conclude our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes, the Teacher leaves us with profound wisdom. The beauty of life is in its balance—the joy of light and the inevitability of darkness. Solomon advises us to rejoice in our years but to remember that life also brings challenges and uncertainties.

Solomon reflects on the days of his youth, perhaps with a hint of nostalgia and regret. He urges the young to enjoy their lives while keeping in mind the greater purpose and eternal perspective. It's a reminder that life’s pleasures are meant to be enjoyed, but they are not the ultimate source of meaning.

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Solomon, a man who experienced the highs and lows of life, ends with a powerful reminder: our ultimate duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. Everything we do will be brought into judgment, emphasizing the need for a life lived in reverence to God.

In our reading today, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, becomes king. The people of Israel request lighter taxation and more lenient rule. Rehoboam seeks advice from the elders, who suggest he should listen to the people. Instead, he follows the counsel of his peers, asserting his authority even more forcefully.

"My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!"- 1 Kings 12:14

Rehoboam's harsh response leads to a rebellion, dividing the kingdom into Israel and Judah. Jeroboam becomes the king of the northern kingdom, establishing idol worship to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem.

Rehoboam plans to fight Jeroboam, but God sends a prophet instructing them to avoid war. They listen, preventing further conflict. This act of obedience contrasts sharply with Rehoboam's earlier prideful decisions.

At the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon emphasizes that God is in control and that our duty is to fear Him and keep His commandments. This truth extends to Rehoboam's story, where his struggle for control led to division and conflict.

When we try to control situations out of fear, it often leads to more problems. Instead, we should look to God, who is ultimately in control. As Susie Larson wisely said, "The enemy amplifies your fears. He makes a big deal out of your weaknesses. He exaggerates your troubles. And He lies about your worth."

Turning over control to God means trusting Him as our Shepherd, believing that He provides for us, leads us to peace, and fights for us. When we relinquish our need to control, we find true peace and security in His guidance.

As we wrap up our study of Ecclesiastes and learn from the history of Israel, let's remember that our ultimate duty is to trust God, follow His commandments, and live with the assurance that He is in control. This perspective allows us to enjoy life's blessings without being overwhelmed by its challenges.

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