“The Ambassador”

The Mistake of Rehoboam

By Evangelist Alton Beal

In 1 Kings 17, we find the sad start to the reign of Rehoboam as king over Israel. When faced with his first great question, he asked for three days to think on the matter and seek counsel. Rehoboam is to be commended for starting out his counseling session with the older men. These men lived under his father Solomon and, no doubt, gleaned much of his wisdom through the years. They advised him to show kindness to his followers. In doing so, he would gain their loyalty and prosper. What was Rehoboam’s response to the older men? In verse eight, the text says, “But he forsook the counsel of the old men.” The following verses of the narrative sadly reveal to us that he chose the counsel of his contemporaries, which led him to make a great mistake that would eventually divide the kingdom.

I am afraid that some younger preachers coming from our Christian colleges are making the same mistake today. The principles that guided our fundamental Baptist forefathers are seen as dispensable and are being sold for a mess of pottage. If the preachers of the past could speak to the younger generation, what would they say?

Perhaps they would begin by telling us, “Do not forsake the importance of biblical separation.” In my college years, I was required to read Dr. Ernest Pickering’s book Biblical Separation. Books and pamphlets by Dr. Pickering taught me the importance of separating from doctrinal error. In a pamphlet entitled “Charismatic Confusion,” he revealed the erroneous teachings of the Charismatic movement and concluded that the Bible demands that we separate from it. I am afraid that the younger generation is forsaking the counsel of the older men. Men and movements who believe that the New Testament sign gifts are valid today are exercising great influence over a younger generation of preachers. Years ago, these preachers and movements would have been discouraged. Now they are being promoted. Some people would call it progress, but I believe it is forsaking the biblical counsel of the older men.

In this day of growing wickedness, I believe the preachers of the past would also cry, “Be holy.” Holiness is an indispensable imperative of the ministry, even the Christian life. While none of us can proclaim perfection, we must strive to be holy. Pulpits of old thundered against worldliness. Several years ago, I heard an older pastor preach a powerful series on the subject of worldliness and the need for holiness. I left that week of meetings with a greater understanding of God’s command to be holy in 1 Peter 1:15-16. Is there such a thing as worldly music? The preachers of yesteryear believed so. Is it wrong to be influenced by the sensual themes of Hollywood? Men like Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. thought so. It seems that the younger generation is starting to conclude that Christianity is outdated and needs to be retooled with worldly amusements and methods. Preaching against the entertainment and themes of this worldly system is now frowned upon by some. Friend, if you find yourself in this growing group, I encourage you to not forsake the counsel of the older men.

Lest you be mistaken, I do not believe that we should follow the counsel of the older generation just because they are older. I think we should follow it because it is Biblical and right. It is very grievous to watch younger men discount the lives and ministries of faithful men in the past. These men paid a dear price to stand for their convictions, and they have been marked off as antiquated and out of touch.

Several months ago in chapel, an area pastor reminded me of a simple bit of wisdom. During the message, he said, “Don’t remove a fence until you first know why it was erected.” We would all do well to be a little more hesitant to remove the fences that were constructed by the older generation. You never know what may come charging at you as a result. The bull of new evangelicalism may be right around the corner.

Just as Rehoboam’s error divided the kingdom, I am afraid that the same error is dividing today. May God do a mighty work in our younger generation of preachers and cause us to have a renewed appreciation and respect for the counsel of the older men.