“Left in the Hands of Shishak”
2 Chronicles 12:1-5
By: Pastor
June 20, 2018 – WN
In the previous chapters you will see the sin and rebellion of Israel.
They ignored the plan of God.
- When Rehoboam needed God he heeded to His will – v. 1
Rehoboam was not ignorant of men that walked with God.
He knew what it was like to walk in the paths of God.
At one time he followed the law of God – 11:1
You can know all the right stuff and if you are not careful it will get to your head.
Rehoboam left God when he strengthened himself.
The biggest cause of people falling away is when everything is going good.
If you are not careful you will forget the blessings of God.
Rehoboam thought he could make it on his own without God.
He followed the law of God but he forsook it.
- When Rehoboam left God he took others with him – v.1
Israel walked away from God with Rehoboam.
The children of Israel got their confidence on him and not on God.
Somehow Rehoboam got their heart.
- When Rehoboam began his trek without the need of God the world showed up strong – v. 2
5 years passed by and then Shishak showed up.
He made a conscious decision to leave God.
After a few steps you will think it is not that bad without the Lord, but one day Shishak will show up in your life.
Everything seemed to be OK on the outside.
It seemed like they could operate without God.
They were in trouble but they did not even know it.
When you forsake God everything is OK for a little while, but Shishak is just around the corner.
- When God has gone as far as He can He leaves you in the hands of Shishak – v. 5c
They left God first; God did not leave them first.
God let them do what they thought they wanted to do.
God will not make you do right.
- When God hears the prayers of humility his heart is tendered – v. 7
God wanted to see their humility, not just hear it in their prayer.
Their actions were actions of a humble heart to God.
God always sends a man with a message to His people.
They got right but Shishak was still there.
They got some relief, but Shiskah was still there; they had to still deal with him.
God let them see how good they had it.
They thought they had it bad at one time, but really they had it good.
Every day they were remembered of what it was like.
Shiskak takes the best stuff, the stuff that cannot be replaced.
Shishak left them with nothing; he wanted it all and he took it all.
Shishak will leave you empty.
If you come back, you will come back empty, just like you are.
- Some will see the difference and choose the way of the Lord – v. 13:1
Abijah knew and had seen both sides of the battle.
Abijah had to deal with Shishak until he was old enough to make a choice.
When you see others go away from the Lord you can look and make your own choice.
Abijah chose to be on the Lord’s side.