October 30, 2023
Topic: GODLINESS TO WORDLINESS – KING ASA
Text: 2 Chronicles 14: 16, 1 Kings 1-15
Memory Verse: Psalm 20:7 – Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
When an athlete is running a race, it is important that he maintain a good speed, especially at the beginning and towards the end of the race. While watching the Olympic Games, I observed that you would see some athletes who started very well and seemed to be leading but towards the end of the race, they would lose their stamina and would not be able to sustain the speed. Meanwhile, other athletes would start slowly and pick up momentum, which would eventually give them the victory.
The race for our faith is similar, it is not about the beginning, but more importantly, how we are able to sustain our faith till the very end. King Asa was born to the lineage of Kings who did evil in the sight of God. He however chose to fear God and was used mightily to contend with the foreign gods and altars of his father’s gods. He led his people to seek the Lord God of their fathers and follow His commandments. Through his leadership, he led many battles and won, because he depended on God.
Unfortunately, by his 36th year of reign, his Kingdom was attacked by Baasha King of Israel. He did not seek the Lord but rather, he made alliance with heathen Kings and gave gifts from the temple of God. His action was displeasing to God because he defiled the name of God.
Pressure can make a man to turn to the wrong place for help, I pray for you today that you will not trust man’s chariot, but you will always trust in God. When King Asa was confronted with the truth by the prophet, he became angry at the prophet. Rather than acknowledge his error and seek God’s forgiveness, King Asa locked up the prophet of God.
God is a merciful God and would have given King Asa a second chance, yet he failed to soften his heart towards God. Jeremiah 17: 5&6 says “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives”.
Our God is a jealous God and will not take it lightly when we turn to other alternatives. As you reflect on this lesson, be reminded that the end of the Christian race is that you make heaven. Do not negotiate that with any immediate comfort or worldliness. The end of King Asa was sad he had a foot disease and still neglected God and died in his sins.
Prayer: Mighty God, I bless your holy name. I know your plans for me are good and not evil, keep me faithfully seeking you. No other God but you all my life and may I pursue your pleasure. Whatever may come my way I will trust in you, Amen.