2 Chronicles 10-12 tells us about the revolt of the northern tribes of Israel after Solomon’s death. Rehoboam had a great heritage. Son of Solomon, grandson of David. But a great heritage does not guarantee success. Rehoboam forsook the laws of Yahweh and dragged the people Israel down with him. He did not take the advice of his elders and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. On the outside, Rehoboam looked good. But inwardly, he was a mess. He led his people from the heights of Solomon’s glory into a downward spiral spiritually. Rehoboam himself reigned for 17 years. But he is remembered for wasting his opportunities and moving himself and his people away God. Israel was divided into the Northern Kingdom under Jereboam’s reign and the Southern Kingdom of Judah and Benjamin under Rehoboam’s reign.
When Shishak of Egypt and his army invaded Judah, they took the shields of gold from the Temple. Rehoboam replaced them with brass shields. Gold never loses its luster, but brass must be constantly cleaned polished to keep its shine. Sometimes, because of the sin nature or spiritual influences that push us away from God, we are drained while working hard to maintain the appearances of being strong and healthy spiritually. It can never last. God Himself will send the trials, troubles, and opportunities to convict, correct, and redirect us. Like fire purifying gold, the trials and troubles burn away what weakens our faith. When gold goes through fire, it shines brighter and grows stronger. Brass can appear bright, but tarnishes over time. It requires polishing to keep its luster. James wrote, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." James 1:2-3 NLT
David and Solomon were NOT perfect men. But they both recognized the voice and work of Yahweh God. When He spoke, they listened, submitted, and obeyed. Gold faith. Rehoboam spent his reign listening to the wrong advisors, leading his people away from Yahweh God, and polishing his brass shields to appear lustrous, while accomplishing nothing during his reign that extended the glory of Yahweh.
None of us are perfect. But here is the main question. Is your faith a gold faith? Does it grow stronger and shine brighter under stress? Or do you have a brass faith that loses its luster under fire?
