Though Asa had begun his reign with a strong devotion to God and calling people to the same commitment, he ended it with passive faithlessness. Though he had removed idols from the land, he had not fully replaced the idols in his own heart with God’s dream and desire. His heart became very secular.
In 2 Chronicles 16, Asa twice made a foolish mistake. He trusted something other than God. When the king of Israel attacked. Asa made a pact with the Syrians for protection. The prophet Hanani came to him with this remarkable message:
“The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those who hearts are fully committed to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Yes, still today, God is searching for hearts devoted to Him in order to bless them. He wants to protect, to guide and provide. He is not reluctant – unless we’re not devoted to Him.
King Asa should have learned that lesson, but he didn’t. He came down with a severe disease that led him not to God, but to doctors. His secular mind sought out kings and physicians as his first resort and God as his last. He would fit well into our culture today.
Where do we go when we’re in trouble? Have we made the mistake of going to secular resources first and then asking God to bless our efforts? Have we thought that our only hope for peace lies in political treaties and cooperative governments? Have we thought of God as a means to fill in the gaps around our science, technology, economics, business strategies, and other areas of secular competence?
Politics, science, medicine, law, business, and every other aspect of modern know-how do not need to conflict with God. They aren’t necessarily wrong. They just cannot be our hope. Let’s avoid Asa’s modern way of thinking and always make God Our First Resort.
Have an enjoyable weekend. Make it better by worshiping The Lord with those who resist the urge to run to the good first, but instead run to Him and His best.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
