1 Kings 14:15-20 – Begin with the end in mind

Apart from condemning Jeroboam for making molten images and pandering to idols, Ahijah also told the king’s wife of all the impending consequences the family would experience. All the males of the family would die miserably, and another king and his dynasty would be raised up to take Jeroboam's place. Besides, the sick son whom she came to consult him about would die. However, He would be the only one in the family to be given a proper funeral and burial.

In 1 Kings 14:15-16, Ahijah then went on to predict the downfall of the northern kingdom. This would take place some 200 plus years later when the Assyrians would come and bring about the fall of Israel. God made clear that the reason was because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he committed and with which he also made Israel sin. It was on the account of this that God gave up on Israel.

Verse 17 tells us that the minute the feet of Jeroboam’s wife touched the threshold of their home in Tirzah, the sick son died. God’s word through Ahijah concerning him happened as she was foretold. All Israel came and mourned for him and gave him a proper funeral and burial. Verse 19-20 tells us that the rest of all that Jeroboam had done was recorded in the books of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. In all, Jeroboam ruled Israel for 22 years and died, and was buried with his ancestors. His throne was succeeded by his son, Nadab.

God’s goal for enlisting Jeroboam to be the first king of Israel was to course correct the effect of Solomon’s waywardness. If he had applied himself faithfully to his calling, he would have been God’s instrument to lead His people back to Him. God would have raised him a dynasty as effective and as enduring as David’s. Unfortunately, he started on the wrong footing and ended up miserably. He set us an example of how not to spurn God and break our trust with Him. Instead, we should adopt the example of Paul. Like him, we must set our eyes on the high calling of God and make up our minds not to allow our ministry to be waylaid by our personal lack of fortitude or resilience. It is always important to start well, but it is even more important to finish strong. Don’t start with a lion’s roar, only to end with a mouse’s squeal. Stay true and strong to the end and finish the course!