In 1 Kings 14 Jeroboam who has built altars to other gods has a son who is ill. He decides to approach the Lord but not he himself, rather he has his wife go to the prophet Ahijah. Not only that, but he has her go in disguise. The disguise does not work God knows who is actually approaching Him and responds by revealing Jeroboam’s sin and saying that his reign will come to an end soon. Jeroboam’s line also will not continue to rule Israel. Additionally, his child will die. God sees this as a blessing to the child who has found favor with the Lord.

Unfortunately, things are also not going well for Rehoboam. He leads the people of Judah into evil ways which include abominations in their worship. Israel and Judah are constantly in battle.

1 Kings 15 reveals that Rehoboam’s son is just as wicked as his father. It is not until the next king, Asa< that things change for the people of Judah. He removes all the temples and idols from Judah and is true to the Lord all his life.

Jeroboams successor Baasha and Asa continue to battle.  Baasha continues to lead Israel in sin and Asa leads Judah in righteousness. When Asa dies, his son Jehoshaphat becomes king of Judah.

This is a time of great tribulation in Israel and Judah. It is hard to see how God is working things out. We must have faith.

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul speaks of our hope of the resurrection. He tells of the necessity of knowing that Jesus was raised or else everything Christians stand for is false. But he also speaks about the resurrection of the dead in the last days. He assures believers that we will be raised and be given glorified bodies. God has given us this victory through Jesus. He encourages us to be faithful, excelling in the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain.