II Chronicles 13-14

“There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam” (13:2). After Rehoboam’s death, his son Abijah became king of Judah, and Jeroboam was king of Israel (the northern kingdom). God had allowed Jeroboam to challenge unwise King Rehoboam, but Jeroboam went too far and led the northern kingdom away from God by removing priests (13:9). As civil war erupted, Abijah reminded the northern kingdom that God is the “leader” of His people and should not be forsaken (13:10-12).

“God is with us; he is our leader” (13:12). Jeroboam’s decision to push out God’s priests led to a loss of his power. God calls us to recognize that he is our King; we are secure and at peace when we honor him, not ourselves.