Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their fathers. They strengthened the kindom of Judah. . .(2 Chron 11:16, 17).
King Solomon ruled over all of Israel from Jerusalem for 40 years. His son, Rheoboam took over when Solomon died. Jeroboam (I know; they all sound alike!), a rival of Solomon had fled to Egypt to escape Solomon's sword but returned after the old king died. He received a cold reception from the new king so he led a rebellion that resulted in most of Israel turning against Rheoboam and David's dynasty. This was the beginning of the split of Israel into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. As part of the rebellion, Jeroboam set up his own gods and system of worship which excluded the Levites whom God had named as His priests. The Levites would have nothing to do with the idolatry so they left Jeroboam to return to king Rheoboam in Judah. A group of Israelites followed the Levites; a group whose hearts were set on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel and as a result Judah was strengthened.
Here's the lesson for us. We grossly underestimate, to our own peril, the extraordinary power that is released when the Spirit of God gets his hands on some hearts that are truly set on seeking the Lord. Judah was weakened by the exodus of most of the tribes of Israel but Judah was strengthened by the Spirit when a group of serious seekers after God moved out to honor and worship Him.
Get the serious God-seekers in your church family together and watch the Lord move to strengthen your church!
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