No Disguise

No Disguise

Jeroboam’s Wife

Read: 1 Kings 14:1-6

Jackie sat waiting in the dean’s office, wondering how on earth anyone recognized her during that stupid prank. When she and her friend decided to push over the bicycles in front of the dorm, Jackie had a foolproof disguise. She wore a red wig, dark glasses, a surgical mask, and a hospital gown. What Jackie didn’t remember was that she also wore sweatpants with her last name emblazoned across the seat.

The disguise of King Jeroboam’s wife didn’t work any better. Her husband had led Israel into idol worship and persecuted God’s priests, but when their son became gravely ill, Jeroboam sent his wife to ask a prophet if he would recover. Following her husband’s instructions, she removed her jewels and queenly clothing and disguised herself as an ordinary woman. She walked through the streets toward Ahijah’s home, confident that no one would recognize her. Imagine her shock at hearing the blind old prophet call out before she even knocked on his door, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam!”

Many of us go through life trying to wear a disguise, whether intentionally or subconsciously. Some people desperately try to look more virtuous or smart than they are. Others act one way during the week and then put on their Sunday disguises to attend church. Whether we’re trying to impress people or are merely fooling ourselves, God sees through any masquerade. He knows our words before we speak them and our thoughts before they enter our minds. If we don’t understand God’s love and mercy, this seems frightening, but those who know his mercy and acceptance are set free. Whatever our faults may be, we don’t have to pretend to be someone else with our loving heavenly Father.

Why are you pretending to be someone else?

1 Kings 14:6