After King David died, his son Solomon became king of Israel. The son of Solomon, Rehoboam, was the legitimate heir to the throne. But Rehoboam’s right to rule was challenged by an enemy of the king and of the established system of government. Jeroboam, son of Nebat, had fled to Egypt from King Solomon; but when Solomon died, some of the Hebrew people called him back to Israel to be their king. (See I Kings 12-14) Thus Israel was divided into 2 kingdoms -- the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom. The northern kingdom under Jeroboam was composed of ten tribes and was called Israel. The southern kingdom, led by legitimate King Rehoboam, was composed of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and called Judah.

The original nation of Israel which had prospered well, because of God’s blessings, under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, never recovered from the split. It is a fascinating and enlightening study in the Old Testament. Following the reign of King Solomon, the nation split and both the northern and southern kingdoms went downhill. Though Judah lasted longer, due to several godly kings, both kingdoms were eventually conquered and the people carried off into captivity Israel was taken to Assyria and Judah to Babylon. But there were problems even during the times of Saul, David, and Solomon. Prosperous times had caused the people to forget God. False gods were worshipped and the people “....... Did whatever was right in their own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)

A lot of people are eager to see 2020 come to an end. But we need to humble ourselves before the Lord for 2021 and beyond. Unless America returns to the Lord and Christian churches return to their first love (Revelation 2:1-7), we have no basis for assuming 2021 will be better. As things stand now we have a legitimate president and an illegitimate perpetrator of election fraud. Our U.S. Constitution and government are under attack. How will the election of 2020 be resolved? Who will win? Will we continue to be a divided nation? Will we continue to be a nation under God?

God made a way back to Himself through Christ. There is always hope. The conquering of Israel and Judah was God’s plan for the Hebrew people. What is God’s plan for America? A lot hangs in the balance as we exit 2020. The whole world is watching. What happens in America affects more than just America.

If ever there was a time for believers to pray, it is now! Let's begin the New Year with prayer and humble dependence on God.

May Jesus Christ be praised,

Elsie