1. Jeroboam's time of need (1-20)

Jeroboam could have been a king like David, but he turned his back on God. He set up idols and used religion for political purposes. But when his son got sick, he needed God. He disguised his wife and sent her to Ahijah the prophet. The prophet's eyes were blind, but his spiritual sight was sharp. He told Jeroboam's wife that their son would die--and that he was fortunate, for the rest of the family would die in poverty, pain and disgrace. Because of the sins of Jeroboam, God would give up Israel.

2. Rehoboam's bronze shields (21-31)

Rehoboam, whose mother was an Ammonite, led Judah to live like the Canaanites. So God sent Egypt to punish them. When Sishak carried off the temple treasures, including Solomon's gold shields, Rehoboam made bronze shields and his guards carried them, as though nothing had happened. They symbolized Rehoboam's falseness and pretense.

Application: Lord, help me to worship and serve you with my whole heart.
One Word: Don't take sin lightly