Moment of Meditation: Jeroboam's Calves (1 Kings 12:28)

Original Broadcast: January 2010

Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images

So [Jeroboam] took counsel and made two calves of gold.
And he said to the people, "You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough.
Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt."
(1 Kings 12:28)

Jeroboam's Calves

King Jeroboam I had a problem. Sure, he was the king of the northern tribes of Israel. But the people were still going to Jerusalem to worship. All that money was being taken out of his country and given to his enemy.

Jeroboam had to take action. He took counsel and followed in the path of Aaron at the base of Mount Sinai. But Jeroboam did one better. Instead of one golden calf, Jeroboam made two and centrally located them so that no one had to go very far--and NO ONE had to go to Jerusalem--to worship God.

Jeroboam solved the impending economic crisis in Israel by creating a new religion and calling it by the name of the one true God. This sin began the downward spiral that led to Israel's exile into Assyria. Jeroboam's own family was destroyed in the next generation for this sin.

Idolatry has serious consequences. That's why Jesus should be the center of your life and faith. Your life will be blessed forever through Him. Amen.