Not About Me

1 Kings 11:31-32

“Then he said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes. But for the sake of my servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe.”

Last week, I received a text invitation asking me to consider leading a certain ministry. It came as a surprise because I still consider myself new to this place and because I know it’s a filled-up position. I was informed that unmet expectation was the reason for the vacant post. That was sad. Sadder because I know that person and for a time I was under her. The relationship will sure go through some awkward moments if I’ll say yes.  ‘Oh Lord, is this really your call? Why me?’ My mind readily listed my personal vision and theirs; my can-dos and the possible work scope; my existing roles and this added responsibility, to see if all will match and not run in conflict. On the side, of course, I considered my personal preference. Then I realized - - all my questions were all about me.

With ‘Jeroboam Rebels Against Solomon’ as heading, I was expecting to find him like Hadad and Rezon, who, although we’re raised up by God to become adversaries, were men with personal hatred towards the king. I was surprised that the call came to him while he was faithfully attending to his duties. He was known to be a diligent and excellent worker. Solomon saw that and put him incharge of the whole labor force of Joseph’s house. Some commentaries believe he had his eyes on the throne, but still, it wasn’t ambition that will pave his way up there. He was just one day going out of Jerusalem when Ahijah met him on the way, tore a new cloak into twelve pieces before him and handed him ten. The prophet explained it was God tearing the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand because of his disobedience, but for the sake of David and Jerusalem, two tribes will be kept for that lineage, while the bigger ten will be under Jeroboam. ‘Because of Solomon and for the sake of David’ were God’s reasons. We see no ‘because of Jeroboam’s credentials or character’ or grand plan like ‘I will make you great’. Although God promised He will build him a dynasty as enduring as David’s if he will walk uprightly. But it’s more like a reward after a job well done. His call was not in a silver platter. He will be called rebel before he can take the throne. He will go against the one who once gave him the promotion. His rule will be marked with Israel’s division. Not so glittering job opening right?

We sometimes have that concept that we’re like a central object and all else revolves around us. We see God as having a personal plan for us and our future, and it will be the best ever... for us. We consider a course, a job, a relationship, on the condition that it will lead to our advancement or greater gain. Max Lucado in one of his books compared that to the primitive idea of seeing the earth, instead of the sun, as the center of the solar system. But we have the truth now. God is the reason and purpose for everything. Jeremiah 29:11 is God’s plan of bringing His people back to a relationship with him. That is the hope and the future. Not some retirement insurance. Delighting yourself in Him is finding Him as the sole fulfillment of your desires. He is the blessing, not His gifts. I will say yes to that work invitation if He confirms it, despite of possible relational issues, leaving aside work comfortability, and regardless of personal preferences. His will is the main thing. I remember my violent reaction when I came across God’s comfort with the purpose of making us comforters. I was then passing through a dark valley and the thought that I’m enduring it all for the sake of another made me cry ‘unfair’. It clouded the beautiful truth of receiving His firsthand comfort. Add to that the privilege of working with equals being with Him.  I like how The Message wrote Psalm 84:10,11: ‘One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I'd rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.’ How can I forget? It’s just not about me :>