09.07.2025 | The Kingdom Divided
1 Kings 12–13
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is one of America’s most famous symbols of freedom. It was meant to represent liberty and justice. When it rang for the first time, however, it cracked. No matter how many times workers tried to repair the bell, the crack remained. Eventually, the crack widened so much that the bell could no longer ring properly.
The divided kingdom of Israel is like the broken Liberty Bell. Under King David and King Solomon, the nation was strong and united. But when Solomon turned away from God, cracks began to form. By the time Rehoboam came to power, the kingdom shattered into two.
Rehoboam was prideful, selfish, and ignored God’s wisdom. Just as the bell couldn’t work due to the crack, the kingdom couldn’t remain strong when leaders chose their own way over God’s. Because people have chosen their own way and rejected God, our lives do not work as they should. Sin has broken our relationship with God, but Jesus came to fix all that sin has broken. By trusting in Him, we receive forgiveness and eternal life.
Rehoboam rejected good advice, and his foolish pride led to a divided kingdom. Jesus, the truly wise King, unites all who trust in Him and brings them into His kingdom forever.
