The Middle Ground

Scripture: In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijah became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maakah daughter of Abishalom. He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. 1 Kings 15:1-3

Observation: There are four kings introduced in 1 Kings 15. Abijah of Judah, Asa his son, Nadab son of Jeroboam in Israel, and Baasha who will rebel against Nadab.

In relationship to the Lord, Nadab and Baasha "do evil in the eyes of the Lord." They worship other gods, condone idols, and propagate various sins and atrocious behavior.

Asa "does good in the eyes of the Lord." He tears down idols, worships God, outlaws various sinful behaviors, honors the temple, and commands alignment to God's laws.

But Abijah does neither ... he commits the sins of his father, his heart is not fully devoted to the Lord, yet he also (in 2 Chronicles) demonstrates faith in God and renounces those who have turned from God's plan for Israel.

Abijah lives in the "middle ground" of faith. He believes in God, calls on him in times of distress, secretly prays on occasion, and will act in alignment to God's will insomuch as that will aligns to his own objectives. Meanwhile, he won't denounce evil practices, turns a blind eye to sin, and (in today's terms) takes a politically correct approach to dealing with those who behave contrary to God ... he fully allows them to do it without comment or correction.

God doesn't punish Abijah the way he does Jeroboam, Nadab, and soon Baasha. And God doesn't bless Abijah the way he does Asa. God does work with Abijah - keeping his will moving forward and ensuring his son inherits the throne. God can work with anyone with even a little faith. However, he won't bless someone with a neutral stance regarding God's authority and laws.

Application: The behavior of Abijah could describe wide sectors of the Christian church in America. Many Christians are happy to worship on Sunday, pray over dinner, correct their children for swearing, and happily think about the love of Jesus ... while they translate that love to meaning they need to support gay marriage, be tolerant of on 'non-radical' Muslims, manipulate others at work, and simply shrug away a myriad of other societal behaviors.

I have an opportunity to Asa. I have a position that allows me to establish practices and policies, at least among a small group around me. I must not be neutral - I must take a stand and implement the practices and exhibit the behaviors that honor God. It isn't always safe, but it is rewarded.

Prayer: Lord, I choose to avoid the middle ground. I don't want to be in neutral. Guide me today toward opportunities to actively do your will, in this place, for your glory. Amen.