Parenting can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when we’re trying to guide our kids’ hearts in a world full of distractions for both them and us. First, take a deep breath, you serve a kind God who makes space for you. I’m grateful to get to witness all that you do. From the moms who keep growing their child even just a little with drop-offs on Sunday, to the dads squatting on the playground to check out the newest skinned knee, and all that you do at home. I see the fruit of your work and thank God for your perseverance. You are doing important work, and God’s grace is abundantly available to you while you continue on, even when it (falsely) looks like there is no progress.
I am praying this week that you return to Growth Group renewed and ready. May He use this time to knit us together as His church, uplift the downtrodden, and celebrate His goodness.
In our lesson this week, ten tribes rejected Rehoboam because of his harsh treatment and chose Jeroboam to be king over Israel. While Rehoboam ruled Judah where the temple was, Jeroboam panicked, fearing his people would return to Jerusalem to worship.
Fear Leads to Modern Idolatry
- The Story: Driven by fear of losing power and control, Jeroboam took matters into his own hands and crafted two golden calves for the people to worship.
- The Takeaway: Idolatry isn’t just bowing to statues; it’s anything we run to for safety, comfort, or control instead of trusting God.
- The Gospel Connection: Jesus frees us from fear-driven living by offering us complete security through His love and grace.
God was grieved by Jeroboam’s wickedness and sent the prophet Ahijah to announce judgment on his house. Yet, the kings who followed also refused to turn back, continuing to lead Israel into deeper sin and rebellion.
2. Disobedience Brings Consequences
- The Story: All three kings led the people away from the Lord, and each eventually suffered the divine consequences of their persistent sin.
- The Takeaway: Disobedience always carries weight, but God’s warnings are meant to draw us back to Him, not push us away.
- The Gospel Connection: We all deserve the consequences of our sin, but Jesus took our punishment on the cross so we could be forgiven.
The first three kings of Israel failed to lead with righteousness, leaving a nation lost in idolatry. But God’s ultimate plan was never dependent on flawed human rulers. From the very beginning, He was paving the way for a true Savior.
3. Jesus Is Our Good King
- The Story: Where Israel’s earthly kings utterly failed to protect and lead God’s people, God remained faithful to His promise to preserve His true kingdom.
- The Takeaway: Human leaders will always fall short, but Jesus is the only King who never fails us.
- The Gospel Connection: Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sinful idolatry, restoring us to a right relationship with God forever.
Reflection
It is easy to look at the bad choices of these kings and wonder how they lost their way, but if we’re honest, our own hearts constantly wrestle with putting safety, comfort, or control ahead of God. That’s why we need each other. As we get back into the Growth Group groove this semester, we encourage you to stay plugged into community where you can be known, encouraged, and pointed back to Christ. If you’re looking to get connected, check out our Growth Groups page. Together, we can show our children what it looks like to lean on Jesus, the King who took our punishment so we can live in His freedom.
Looking Ahead
Next week on 8/23, we’ll look at Elijah Confronted Ahab (1 Kings 18–19). A quick reminder for parents of 3-year-olds: our follow-up volunteer check-in will take place during the 10:00 AM hour!
Family Connection & Resources
Keep this conversation going at home throughout the week using The Gospel Project At Home resource for Israel’s Evil Kings!
- Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
- Key Passage: “May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other!” — 1 Kings 8:60
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 