Old and Fat Still Need God - 2 Chronicles 11-16

 2 Chronicles 11:22 - 12:1 (ESV)

And Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son of Maacah as chief prince among his brothers, for he intended to make him king. And he dealt wisely and distributed some of his sons through all the districts of Judah and Benjamin, in all the fortified cities, and he gave them abundant provisions and procured wives for them.

Egypt Plunders Jerusalem

When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.

Perhaps the worse words heard about any man’s reputation are found in the above passage:  “When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the Law of the LORD ... .”    Is that not just sad.   Rehoboam had been following God.  Note what was said about his leadership earlier:

2 Chronicles 11:16-17 (ESV)

And those who had set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came after them from all the tribes of Israel to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers. They strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.

People were flocking from Israel to Judah as a result of Rehoboam’s dedication to follow God.   Yet, as he grew older he fell away from that path.  Later his great-grandson will do the same:

2 Chronicles 16:7-9 (ESV)

At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, he gave them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

Throughout our years on this earth, being consistent in our walk with God is essential.   Don’t fall away as you get strong regarding the possessions, privileges, power and positions you have in this life.   Continue to follow Him, even when you are fat and old.