In any transition of life, the most important thing that will guide our decisions is our faithfulness to the word of the Lord, both in Scripture and by a prophetic announcement. They will keep us safe. This applies to words birthed outside our time of history of which we are not familiar. 

In a time of a national transition after the death of Solomon, the leaders of Israel summoned King Rehoboam to ask him to lessen the burden that Solomon’s leadership had placed upon Israel, “Then we will be your loyal subjects” (I Kings 12:4).

Rehoboam asked for three days to consider their request. He “Discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon” (vs. 6). These men served Solomon and Israel by holding true to the word of the Lord that defined who would be their leader based on the promises made to David. 

Sadly, “Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers” (vs. 8).  These young and defiant men rejected the counsel of the older leaders. Their decision set a course of a deepening evil in the nation because they were not living from a word of the Lord, only from human opinion.

Scripture and historic prophetic words are given to us to guide us, especially when life seems confusing. This is not about young versus older leaders. It is about God’s instructions and our faithfulness to what He said in the past. Our faithfulness to those instructions, regardless of age or position, will be our safeguard. It The Church is being tested in this season to see if we will remain faithful to what God has said or abandon His truth. 

When we enter a confusing time, returning to the word of God and His prophetic promises will keep us out of the traps being laid for us that will create sorrow and disaster in our future. It is wisdom to follow the word of God no matter who is speaking that word, young or old, experienced or inexperienced. It is the only safe and true path into our future.