King Rehoboam flatly rejected a request from representatives of 10 tribes of Israel to lower the heavy tax burden imposed by his father Solomon. His decision was based on arrogance and pride, and it caused the 10 tribes to break away from Judah.

Some might ask, “But why blame Rehoboam? Hadn’t God announced to Solomon that his kingdom would be divided? (1 Kings 11:11-13). Didn’t the Lord’s pronouncement make King Rehoboam’s choice inevitable?”

James 1:13 clearly refutes such reasoning. God does not tempt anyone to sin and make a prideful choice. His announcement to Solomon years before placed no necessity upon Rehoboam to do what he did. In fact, God said that if a nation confesses its wrong, He would relent from the disaster He had thought to bring upon it (Jeremiah 18:7-8).

As Christians, we must not blame God when we sin. We are responsible for our actions. Yes, it is reassuring to know that God understands our weaknesses and our temptations (Psalm 103:14). But we must avoid rationalizing. The Bible makes no allowance for excuses.

How wonderful that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).  —HVL