“…such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel.” – 2 Chronicles 11:16
When Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, took the throne, the once‑united kingdom was now divided. Ten tribes followed Jeroboam in the north, while Judah and Benjamin remained in the south. But Jeroboam shut down true worship, replacing God’s priests with idols and false religion. So the priests and Levites left everything and moved to Judah—because their hearts were set on seeking the Lord. They chose obedience over convenience, truth over comfort, and faithfulness over compromise. Their movement was a statement: We will go where God is honored.
Under Rehoboam’s early leadership, something beautiful happened. The spiritual leaders set their hearts toward God—and the people followed. Leadership matters. Influence matters. When those entrusted with spiritual responsibility walk faithfully, others often walk faithfully behind them. The people saw the blessing, peace, and stability that came from seeking the Lord, and they “set” their hearts as well. That word “set” means to establish, fix firmly, or anchor. They didn’t drift toward God—they decided toward God. Like Daniel who “purposed in his heart” (Daniel 1:8), these people made a deliberate choice to seek the Lord.
It’s been said, “As the father goes, so the family goes; as the family goes, so the nation goes.” God designed leaders—especially in the home—to set the spiritual temperature. Whether we like it or not, someone is following us. If our hearts are set on God, others may be drawn to Him through our example. But if our hearts drift, we may unintentionally lead others away from Him. Today, take inventory of what your heart is set on. Comfort? Career? Convenience? Or Christ? God still blesses those who seek Him, and He still uses leaders who set their hearts firmly toward Him.
What direction is your heart pointing today? In your home, your workplace, your ministry—are you leading others toward God or toward lesser things? Ask the Lord to help you “set your heart to seek the Lord God of Israel,” and let your life become an invitation for others to do the same.
“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” — D.L. Moody
surrendered devotions 