St Margaret's Church, Northam

Reflection from Jon Ellis

1Kings 11.29-32 & 12.19

29 About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the way, wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone out in the country,

30 and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces.

31 Then he said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes.

32 But for the sake of my servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe.

12.19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. (NIV)

REFLECTION

Jeroboam is appointed by God through the prophet Ahijah as the new king over the torn off part of Israel. This is done by means of a symbolic act with a “new cloak,” representing the new, undivided realm. The tearing of the new cloak is a symbolic act of prophecy. Just as the cloak lies on the ground before Jeroboam’s eyes, so in God’s view, the division of the kingdom is already a fact.

Interestingly, the lectionary adds verse 12.19, so Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.

All our actions have consequences. The good as well as the bad decisions. When the consequences are not good, we have to try to make amends. In today’s reading, the tearing of the garment is both symbolic and irrevocable.

What should we do when something as shattering as this happens? Somehow, we have to move on. The message of this passage concerns rebellion from God. God is always central to what we do. If we do not aspire to act in the way that God showed us through Jesus, we are rebellious and can expect problems.

“Oh, how I wish I had consulted God before I did that or said that!” Umm. Too late now. Or is it? Can I change something? We don’t like to admit it, when we ask God to change a situation or someone we do not like, God simply replies, “My child, it is you that needs to change! I love you, love me and love your neighbour.”

Otherwise, that sad statement in verse 12.19, will be the same for us.

COLLECT 2nd Before Lent

Almighty God,

give us reverence for all creation

and respect for every person,

that we may mirror your likeness

in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright ? The Archbishops' Council 2000

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