1. Rehoboam obeys the Lord (1-4)

When Jeroboam led northern Israel in a revolt against Rehoboam, he went home and mustered an army. His first reaction was to fight and put down the rebellion. But when he heard the word of the Lord from Shemaiah, he did not fight his brothers. He obeyed and went home. There he built up the defenses of the towns of Judah. The Levites and priests supported him.

2. Some set their hearts on seeking the Lord (5-23)

Jeroboam made calf and goat idols and established his own religion in northern Israel. But many Levites in the north would not serve his idols. They were faithful to God. They abandoned their homes and lands and went to Judah, where they could worship God. Israelites from every tribe who set their hearts on seeking the Lord followed them to Jerusalem to worship God. Rehoboam had a large family; he established Abijah as prince to follow him on the throne.

Application: Lord, raise up a remnant of people who are faithful to you in spite of great material loss.
One Word: Set your heart on seeking God