FIGHTING FAMILIES: Spiritual Casualties

Read 1 Kings 11:1-12:20.

What one generation permits in moderation, the next generation excuses in excess. Wars are not usually lost in a single battle, but in a series of setbacks. The story of David’s family is an illustration of this sad reality.  It is a story of spiritual casualties on the battlefield of life.

David was able to bring down a giant with a slingshot, but did not conquer lust that rose in his heart. He was a man after God’s own heart—a true champion—yet, as he aged he let his guard down, and his moral failure would have the gravest impact on his children.  One son, Amnon, would rape his sister, Tamar. Then, another son, Absalom, would kill Amnon. Absalom would eventually lead a rebellion against his father, which would end in the young man’s death in battle.

David’s son, Solomon would ascend to the throne. In many ways, Solomon’s reign was marked by success.  Yet, as his father, in the latter stages of his rule, he did not rule over his passions, married many pagan women, who influenced him to turn to idols (1 Kings 11:1-43).

David’s grandson, Rehoboam would be the next king. From the outset, he will demonstrate his folly (1 Kings 12:1-20). Rather than listen to the godly counsel of his elders, he heeds the foolishness of his peers. The result is that the kingdom is divided—civil war ensues—and the reign of Rehoboam brings further spiritual decline to the nation.

“Now Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked Him to jealousy with their sins which they committed, more than all that their fathers had done. For they also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree. And there were also perverted persons in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.” (1 Kings‬ ‭14:22-24‬).

The outcome of a battle can turn on seemingly small decisions. In the fight for our family, we cannot let our guard down for a moment. Our children and grandchildren will be the spiritual casualties.