Rehoboam's Mother (1 Kin. 14:21, 31)

The paragraph (1 Kin. 14:21-31) begins and ends with a reference to Rehoboam's mother. I find that interesting. The paragraph didn't begin or end reminding us Rehoboam was Solomon's son. This might indicate that one major source of Rehoboam's corruption was his mother, an Ammonite. When something is repeated twice in such a short span, surely the writer is telling us something.

Here are some points for reflection:

• Parents, never under-estimate your influence, positive or negative, upon the children.  That's a heavy load, isn't it?  Thank God today for everyone who prays for you.
• Mothers, in most cases you are with your children more than their fathers.  Make the time count.  You are not responsible for their outcome.  You are responsible for their nurture and for setting a good example.
• Fathers, don't be absent in your children's lives.  Mothers may have more time with the children, but mothers are no replacement for fathers.  Fathers, be there.  That means more than bringing home a check or sending one in the mail.
• Adult children, stop blaming your parents.  If you're life is in a mess, it is possibly due to inexperience, ignorance or immaturity, but it is probably due to your choices.  Exceptions to that are few.  Dad and Mom don't want you to live as a helpless victim.
• For everyone:  All is not lost.  Your mistakes are not the end of the story. God's influence is far greater than your parents' influence on you or your influence on your children.  You might fail as a parent, or feel like a failure, but God will never fail as Father.