Jul 02 – The Voice of Man!

“Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him.” (1 Kings 12:13).

After King Solomon died, the people came to his son Rehoboam and said: “Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.” (1 Kings 12:4).

However, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the older men and listened instead to the advice of inexperienced young men. Because of the harsh answer he gave to the people, ten of the twelve tribes of Israel rebelled and separated from him. Fleshly counsel often leads to division and destruction.

God’s servants pray and offer wise counsel. God-fearing parents teach their children the secrets of a victorious life. Therefore, the children of God should listen to sound advice and walk accordingly. Through spiritual discernment, they must learn to recognize the right path.

At times, human voices may conflict with one another. Consider Abraham’s life. After Isaac was born, Sarah saw Ishmael mocking him and said: “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.” (Genesis 21:10).

This matter greatly distressed Abraham because Ishmael was his son. On one side was Sarah’s voice; on the other was the voice of a father’s affection for his eldest son. Abraham loved Ishmael, and sending him away was painful. Unsure of what decision to make or which voice to heed, Abraham went into the presence of God. When the Lord said, “Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice,” he obeyed and sent Hagar and Ishmael away.

At the same time, there are occasions when one cannot simply follow the advice of a spouse. During Job’s time of suffering, his wife said to him: “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). How could Job listen to such words? Instead, he rebuked her.

Children of God, whenever you are uncertain about what decision to make, go into the presence of the Lord. Wait prayerfully to hear the voice of His counsel. He will teach you and show you the way in which you should walk.

Verse for further meditation: “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1).