Making Unauthorized Changes

You remember Jeroboam. When the kingdom of Israel divided, he became king of the ten northern tribes. God promised him many wonderful things if he would only be faithful to God’s commands. However, he would have none of what God said. No sooner had he ascended the throne than he began to make changes that suited him, but which were in direct conflict with God. In 1 Kings 12, we learn of four of those changes.

1. He changed the object of worship – golden calves instead of God.

2. He changed the place of worship from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan.

3. He changed the priesthood from the Levites to base and coarse men.

4. He changed the time of worship.

The people gladly accepted and followed each change. Of at least 14 of the 19 kings of Israel, it is stated “and he did evil in the sight of the Lord as did Jeroboam, the son of Nebat.”

Now, friend, take your New Testament and see just how many changes the religion of which you are a member has made. Does God look with better favor on these changes than He did on those of Jeroboam? Shouldn’t you and I just stay with God and His Word?