June 12th
Today’s Reading Passage:
1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10–11; Philippians 2
June 12
Scripture Focus:
Devotion: The Strength of a Servant
Rehoboam had a chance to unify the kingdom and walk in the strength of the Lord. The people came with a simple plea for compassion, and the elders—full of wisdom—gave him godly counsel: “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today…” (1 Kings 12:7). The word for “servant” here is the Hebrew ʿābad (עָבַד)—a word that means more than just helping. It means to humbly yield, to serve in loyalty and love, even as an act of worship.
But Rehoboam didn’t want to be a servant. He wanted to be king—his way. He rejected the advice of the elders, choosing instead the counsel of peers who fed his pride. He responded with arrogance, saying he would rule with even more severity than his father. His heart revealed the truth: he desired the position and the power, but not the posture required to lead God’s people.
In contrast, Philippians 2 gives us the perfect example of leadership through Jesus. Though He is King of all, He took on the form of a servant—doulos (δοῦλος) in Greek—a bondservant who lays down his rights out of love and obedience. Jesus didn’t come to dominate, but to serve. He led by humbling Himself, and His humility lifted others.
So many today want the blessings of God’s kingdom—peace, favor, influence—but not the ways of God’s kingdom—humility, servanthood, obedience. But in God’s Kingdom, power looks very different. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Even though the kingdom was torn in two, we see God’s mercy in 2 Chronicles 11. For three years, the people of Judah followed the Lord, and as they sincerely worshiped, the kingdom was strengthened. That’s what happens when people walk in God's ways. But when they turned away, the strength faded.
Rehoboam's failure reminds us how easy it is to follow our own prideful hearts. Many of us don’t want to be servants either. We want to be in charge. We want to lead without cost. But true greatness in God’s eyes always starts with humility.
Lesson for Me
True leadership in God’s Kingdom begins with surrender. I can’t cling to control and still expect the blessings that come through obedience. If I want to reflect Jesus, I must let go of pride and choose to serve.
Application Questions
Do I resist the idea of being a servant—especially when it means denying my own comfort or control?
Lord, thank You for being the Servant King who gave everything to save and lead us. Help me to walk in Your footsteps. Teach me to value humility over pride, and serving over striving. Let my heart reflect Yours. Where I’ve sought influence without obedience, forgive me. I want to live surrendered, not just in word but in action. Make me strong by Your Spirit—and gentle like Christ. Amen.
Scripture Focus:
“What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?”
The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.”
—1 Kings 12:6–7 (NLT)
From all the tribes of Israel, those who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord… followed the Levites to Jerusalem… This strengthened the kingdom of Judah…
—2 Chronicles 11:16–17 (NLT)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves… You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
—Philippians 2:3–5 (NLT)
Devotion: The Strength of a Servant
Rehoboam had a chance to unify the kingdom and walk in the strength of the Lord. The people came with a simple plea for compassion, and the elders—full of wisdom—gave him godly counsel: “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today…” (1 Kings 12:7). The word for “servant” here is the Hebrew ʿābad (עָבַד)—a word that means more than just helping. It means to humbly yield, to serve in loyalty and love, even as an act of worship.
But Rehoboam didn’t want to be a servant. He wanted to be king—his way. He rejected the advice of the elders, choosing instead the counsel of peers who fed his pride. He responded with arrogance, saying he would rule with even more severity than his father. His heart revealed the truth: he desired the position and the power, but not the posture required to lead God’s people.
In contrast, Philippians 2 gives us the perfect example of leadership through Jesus. Though He is King of all, He took on the form of a servant—doulos (δοῦλος) in Greek—a bondservant who lays down his rights out of love and obedience. Jesus didn’t come to dominate, but to serve. He led by humbling Himself, and His humility lifted others.
So many today want the blessings of God’s kingdom—peace, favor, influence—but not the ways of God’s kingdom—humility, servanthood, obedience. But in God’s Kingdom, power looks very different. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Even though the kingdom was torn in two, we see God’s mercy in 2 Chronicles 11. For three years, the people of Judah followed the Lord, and as they sincerely worshiped, the kingdom was strengthened. That’s what happens when people walk in God's ways. But when they turned away, the strength faded.
Rehoboam's failure reminds us how easy it is to follow our own prideful hearts. Many of us don’t want to be servants either. We want to be in charge. We want to lead without cost. But true greatness in God’s eyes always starts with humility.
Lesson for Me
True leadership in God’s Kingdom begins with surrender. I can’t cling to control and still expect the blessings that come through obedience. If I want to reflect Jesus, I must let go of pride and choose to serve.
Application Questions
Do I resist the idea of being a servant—especially when it means denying my own comfort or control?
- What kind of counsel do I listen to more: wise, godly voices or ones that feed my pride?
- In what ways is God calling me to take on the posture of a servant today—at home, in ministry, or in relationships?
Lord, thank You for being the Servant King who gave everything to save and lead us. Help me to walk in Your footsteps. Teach me to value humility over pride, and serving over striving. Let my heart reflect Yours. Where I’ve sought influence without obedience, forgive me. I want to live surrendered, not just in word but in action. Make me strong by Your Spirit—and gentle like Christ. Amen.