Jeroboam’s son, Abijah fell very ill and Jeroboam asked his wife to go to prophet Ahijah to find out what would happen to their son. Thinking that Ahijah could not see well because of poor eyesight in old age, Jeroboam asked his wife to disguise herself so that he would not know it came from Jeroboam. However God revealed the identity of his visitor to Ahijah. So when Jeroboam’s wife came in at the door, Ahijah said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another?”

Why did she pretend to be another? It was because Jeroboam knew that he had not obeyed what God has called him to do. When God appointed Jeroboam as king over Israel, Ahijah had told him to listen to all that God has commanded Jeroboam, and to walk in His ways, and do what is right in His eyes by keeping His statutes and commandments, as David did. God promised His presence and a prosperous nation. (1 Kings 11:38) However, Jeroboam “have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back.” (1 Kings 14:9)

This reminds me of story in Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they went to hide themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Isn’t it funny to think they could hide themselves from God? It is funny to think that the prophet of Yahweh, Ahijah have the ability to know about the future of their son who was miles away from him but not know who visited him because of the disguise?

It is impossible to hid from God even in our shame. David tells us in Psalms 139, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”

Jeroboam’s child was suffering for the sins of his father just as surely as David and Bathsheba’s son did. Both were innocent victims. And both were taken before they could be corrupted further by the sins of their fathers. David repented of his sin and his judgment stopped there. But Jeroboam, even after this, would not repent. His judgment would encompass ALL of his household.

Dear brothers and sisters, if there are hidden sins in our lives, do not pretend to be someone else. It can deceive those around us, but God sees through the disguises. God knows our every action and desire, and there is nothing that can be hidden from Him. God’s heart is always for us to return back to Him. Simply come as we are before the Lord to seek for his forgiveness. In our sinful nature, he will judge because He is a holy God, but he is merciful and will forgive when we seek Him for forgiveness. Christ died so we might live without shame and bondage of sin, and to live a life of true freedom. What do you need to bring to the Lord this morning to ask for forgiveness?