1 Kings 15

“In the eighteenth year of Israel’s King Jeroboam, son of Nebat, Abijam became king over Judah and reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom. Abijam walked in all the sins his father before him had committed, and he was not completely devoted to the Lord his God as his ancestor David had been.” 1 Kings 15:1-3 (HCSB)

Nothing good is said about Abijam. In fact, hardly anything is said about him. People hardly consider Abijam in Israel’s history, but when they do, they generally view him through one of two lenses: Rehoboam or David. That is, they either consider him no worse than Rehoboam or much worse than David. How you consider Abijam may reveal how you view and weigh the severity of your own sin.

Today, we will focus on Abijam’s “heart condition.” Abijam’s heart was aligned with the sins of his father. Now, to avoid confusion, it is important to point out that Abijam had TWO fathers, for both Rehoboam and David are technically his “father.” One is his immediate father, and the other is his forefather. These respective “fathers” constitute two models; sadly, Abijam chose Rehoboam as his pattern rather than David.

Big Question: If Abijam holds to the half-heartedness of Solomon and maintains the perversions of Rehoboam, why is there still a kingdom in Judah? Why doesn’t God say, “Enough!” to the line of David?

“But because of David, the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem to raise up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem. For David did what was right in the Lord’s eyes, and he did not turn aside from anything He had commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” 1 Kings 15:4-5 (HCSB)

So, why is there still a kingdom in Judah? Because of David. Because of his faithfulness, but more than that – because of the LORD’s faithfulness to David. The Lord made a promise, and in that very promise, He seemed to recognize that David’s descendants might well be scoundrels. (2 Samuel 7:14b) But the kingdom remains – not because man obeys, but because God has decided.

Why don’t the kingdom and people of God vanish into the mists of history? Because God will not permit it. He has decided that His kingdom WILL come. Grace is not only greater but also more stubborn than our sins!

Followers of Jesus have a choice as to the extent of their obedience. If you choose to follow in the steps of your human forefathers, then, predictably, you will not fully enjoy the blessings of your salvation. If you choose to follow the pattern set forth by your Heavenly Father, the blessings remain and resound.