Thursday, July 5, 2012

2 Chronicles 10 - Bullies and Elder Abuse

Solomon's son, Rehoboam has a revolt on his hands.  Why?  Because. he chose to listen to the folly of the youth and rejected the wisdom of the elders who spoke for the good of the people.  Rehoboam decided to follow the counsel of the young men and put a greater burden on the people than they'd had before.

We all have burdens they seem to go along with breathing.  But, is there any reason we should place unjust burdens on one another? 

Actually, as I was reading chapter 10 this morning, what came to mind was "elder abuse."  What came to mind was the female on the bus being abused by children and not doing anything about it.  Yes, she had good reason not to.  If she had she may have been charged herself.  Did they do anything illegal?  No, apparently, elder abuse is ok in this county.  But, it was a good reminder to all of us that it is not just child abuse that we need to be concerned about, but elder abuse, as well. Believe me, there is a lot of it going on! 

I'm not sure how the problem can be fixed.  I hear adults use the same language and attitude of some of the children.  It's all over the television and in the music.  It's on the streets.  It is just about every where.  It is a very sad thing that so many children have been taught to be so disrespectful of others.  Having just celebrated Independence Day, I wonder if we have a clue what it means to be free and allow others to be and live free from persecution.

On the other hand, I also know many young people who are very respectful of the rights of others.

In the lesson though, the people would not stand for the abuse.  They had enough of him treating them so unfairly and revolted sending Rehoboam out of Shechem to Jerusalem.  And... He ran...  There are consequences to being a bully. 

May our children come to a better understanding of the benefits of respecting others.



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