Jeroboam was the first king of the northern tribes known as Israel. God told Jeroboam that He would be with him if he followed His commandments and walked in His ways (I Kings 11:38). However, Jeroboam decided to worship God in ways he “devised in his own heart” (I Kings 12:33).
Here are the ways Jeroboam altered Israel’s worship of God:
- Set up worship in Bethel and Dan, telling the people it was too far for them (read inconvenient) to go to Jerusalem as God had commanded (I Kings 12:29). His real reason was his fear of the people turning back to Rehoboam, Solomon’s son.
- Made two golden calves as objects of worship in these cities (I Kings 12:28). He told the people that these idols brought them up from the land of Egypt (I Kings 12:29).
- Appointed priests from tribes other than Levi (I Kings 12:31).
- Changed the date and proper place for the Feast of Tabernacles (I Kings 12:32).
These changes collectively became known as the sin (or sins) of Jeroboam. This sin must be especially repugnant to God since the sin of Jeroboam is mentioned at least 21 times in His Word. Because of this sin every king of Israel (Northern Kingdom) did evil in the sight of God. Furthermore, Israel was taken captive because of this sin. II Kings 17:22&23 says, “For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them, until the LORD remove Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So, Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.” Because of their improper worship, Israel was taken away and was lost to history.
So, what application can we make of this today? We could discount this as having occurred during Old Testament times and we know that the Old Law was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). But remember, “God is Spirit: and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). God has revealed in His word what He expects in our worship today. We know we must assemble on the first day of the week and participate in singing, praying, observing communion, giving as we have been prospered and hearing from God’s Word. This pattern is clearly shown in the New Testament and in early church history. We can find no scripture to tell us that God cares less about our worship to Him.
Brethren, when we digress from this pattern of worship, I believe we are walking in the sin of Jeroboam. When we alter our worship for convenience’s sake or for entertainment value, we digress from this pattern. Elders must consider their choices lest they be guilty of “devising in our own hearts” how the congregation worships God. I can assure you that this eldership takes this issue very seriously.
Dave Benner
