Nephite Atlas
Come, Follow Me · Week 27 · June 29–July 5

1 Kings 12–13; 17–22

This Week's Reading

This week’s reading in 1 Kings chronicles a pivotal era of division and spiritual decline among Israel’s kings, yet it consistently points to the necessity of true repentance and reliance on the Lord. We see King Rehoboam reject wise counsel and choose pride, leading to the nation’s fracture into two kingdoms. Through prophets like Elijah and Micaiah, we learn that God speaks truth even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. These stories teach us that leadership requires humility, obedience to divine warning, and a heart devoted solely to Christ, who alone can restore unity and peace.

Key Passages

  • 1 Kings 12:1–10 King Rehoboam chooses the proud advice of young men over the wise counsel of elders, declaring his "little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins," a decision that leads to the kingdom splitting in two.
  • 1 Kings 13:1–10 A man of God boldly prophesies against Jeroboam’s idolatrous altar and refuses the king’s offer of reward, obeying the command not to eat or return by the same way, demonstrating total reliance on God’s word.
  • 1 Kings 17:1–10 Elijah is sustained by ravens at a brook and later sent to feed a widow in Zarephath, showing that God provides for His servants even when resources seem scarce.
  • 1 Kings 19:1–10 After fleeing Jezebel’s threats, Elijah feels discouraged but is strengthened by an angel and a message from the Lord at Horeb, reminding us that God often speaks in stillness rather than thunder.
  • 1 Kings 22:1–10 King Ahab gathers false prophets who promise victory, while he despises the truthful prophet Micaiah, illustrating how pride blinds leaders to spiritual truth and invites disaster.

Questions to Ponder

  1. How does Rehoboam’s rejection of wise counsel in 1 Kings 12 compare to times when we might reject good advice due to pride or a desire for popularity?
  2. In what ways does the man of God in 1 Kings 13 demonstrate that obedience to God’s specific instructions is more important than personal safety or material reward?
  3. Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19 teaches us that even faithful servants can feel overwhelmed; how can we apply his lesson of seeking God’s presence in quiet places when we face fear or discouragement?
  4. Why does King Ahab hate the prophet Micaiah, and what lessons do we learn about our own attitudes toward truth-tellers who challenge our comfortable assumptions?

A Thought to Take Home

These ancient stories remind us that true strength comes not from pride or political maneuvering, but from humble obedience to the Lord. Just as God sustained Elijah through a dry season and spoke gently to him in the cave, He is ready to strengthen us today when we turn to Him with honest hearts. We are called to seek His voice above all else, trusting that He will guide our steps and restore our unity if we repent and follow Christ.

Further study

1 Kings 12:1–10 1 Kings 13:1–10 1 Kings 17:1–10 1 Kings 19:1–10 1 Kings 22:1–10

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This guide was prepared with AI from the scriptures and checked against the text; it can still make mistakes. For the Church's own guidance, read the official Come, Follow Me manual for this week. Nephite Atlas is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.