August 6th – 2 Chronicles 10:14

2 Chronicles 10:14 

After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam traveled to Shechem to meet with Israel and be crowned king. The people took the change of power as an opportunity to plead for kindness and mercy from their new ruler. In return for lower work loads and taxes, they would give to Rehoboam their loyalty and servitude. But the king, after listening to bad advice, sent back an answer not of grace and mercy, but of threats and violence. And the result? The people killed the new taskmaster. A rebellion arose, the kingdom of Israel was split in two, and Rehoboam fled for his life. Our decisions and actions can have long lasting and tragic consequences. Had Rehoboam chosen kindness, not only would he have glorified God, but brought peace throughout the land.