IN the first Book of Kings, chapter 14, we have an account of the illness, death, and burial of Abijah, the son of Jeroboam, that king who, because he established idolatry in the kingdom of Israel, is always spoken of as he “who made Israel to sin.” When the child fell sick, the king sent the queen, his wife, to the prophet Ahijah; to whom she went in disguise. The Lord, however, uncovered the deception by revealing to the prophet who she was. Ahijah, therefore, said to her, as she entered the door of his house, “Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings.” He then unfolded to her the judgment which the Lord had pronounced upon the house of Jeroboam. He told her, also, that the child should die; but added that “all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.”
Whatever may have been the age of Abijah, it is plain that he was old enough to have some right direction of heart towards the Lord, for in him, it is declared, there was “found some good thing.” It is also clear that that “good thing” did not spring up naturally in the heart of the child, but that it came from God. The apostle Paul says, “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing.” (Rom. 7:1818For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (Romans 7:18).) He also says to Timothy, “That good thing which was committed unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost.” (2nd Tim. 1:14.) Everything, therefore, which is really good, comes from God, and from Him only. (See also James 1:1717Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17).)
Now, is it not pleasant to know that in the midst of the wicked house of Jeroboam there was one member of the family, and he but a child, of whom God, by the mouth of His prophet, could speak favorably? We know not by what means it was that the “good thing” toward the Lord God of Israel found its place in the heart of Abijah. It is likely, notwithstanding the idolatry of the family, that there was someone in or about the palace at Samaria, who instructed the child in the word and ways of the Lord. This instruction was, in all likelihood, very limited, and his disadvantages must have been great, dwelling, as he did in the midst of such a family. Still, he profited by that which had been taught, and his heart inclined toward the Lord, who took notice of it, and proclaimed its worth.
It was the will of God, however, that Abijah should die. Possibly that he might be delivered from the evil with which he was surrounded, as well as from the judgment with which his father’s house was to be visited. When he was buried, “all Israel mourned for him, according to the word of the Lord, which. He spake by the hand of His servant, Ahijah, the prophet.”
I have no doubt that most of the young readers of GOOD NEWS, have the blessing of being the children of God-fearing parents. The privileges of such are far greater than those which were possessed by this young prince. His advantages were few, but his profiting was manifest. I trust that the Lord, who is the Searcher of hearts, can see the work of His own Spirit in yours. Is Jesus precious to you? Are you cleansed from your sins in His precious blood, or seeking after it, at least? Can you truly say, “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psa. 119)
Perhaps, however, some child who may read this interesting account of Jeroboam’s son, may, through attending at a Sunday school, or by some other means, have been taught of God to bow to the name of Jesus, and so to trust in Him as his Saviour. Should such be the case, even though you may have but little instruction and guidance at your own homes, in the works and ways of the Lord, remember, for your comfort, that He knoweth them that are His, and that He cares for every one of His Father’s flock. Only be careful to give heed to His Word, and to “obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord.” (Col. 3). If you are thus obedient and humble-minded, and endeavor to please them for His sake, who can tell how soon you may have the joy of seeing them also acknowledge Him as their only Lord and Saviour!
Little lights that brightly burn,
Meekly Christ confessing,
Others may from darkness turn
Unto light and blessing.
T.