It seems that Judah was where the Lord would be worshipped under Rehoboam, He fortified his kingdom of Judah against Jeroboam who controlled the north and Egypt who was friendly to Jeroboam. Not only were the cities stronger against attack, but they were stocked with food. The Levites from the entire nation migrated to Judah as they came to serve the Lord as did Rehoboam. What was especially noteworthy to the writer was that they left their homes and their prosperity to serve and to honor the Lord since Jeroboam turned his back to the Lord and refused to serve him. Jeroboam's intent was to destroy the unity of Israel to solidify his rule. If the feasts and the daily routines of worship were maintained, the nation that was founded by the love and the serving of God would gravitate the people to be loyal to the house of David rather than him. He would allow sporadic worship and at places away from a temple. He also had idols (bulls) set up for worship under the pretense that they would be worshipping God thus violating the first few Commandments. The people rebelled against this and refused to worship these idols. As for Rehoboam, his efforts to promote worship lasted three years and for the next fourteen years they stopped as his loyalty to the Lord waned.
All in all, good weekend with the church picnic having great weather - overcast and cool with little humidity and a nice consistent breeze. Got to see my old friend, Billy Trimarco (aka Turner) and reminisced albeit it was in a real dive joint. Good to catch up and pray with him. Decent day at church and relatively good ride home and down to Delly. No gym today - wanted my body to rest and catch up on some sleep.
Praise for today: But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. Ps 71: 14
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