The Folly Of Asa

In the first ten years of Asa’s reign, “the land was quiet” (2 Chr 14:1). But then, Judah was attacked by “Zerah the Ethiopian” (2 Chr 14:9), with his great army. Asa cried unto the Lord for help “and the Ethiopians were overthrown” (2 Chr 14:13)! The prophet Azariah reminded Asa that the Lord was with him, as long as he sought Him (v. 2). Therefore, Asa did what was right before the Lord (v. 8), and entered into a covenant with Him (v. 12). Because of his actions, “the Lord gave them rest” (v. 15). But on the 36^th year of Asa’s reign, Israel’s king Baasha “came up against Judah, and built Ramah” (2 Chr 16:1).

 Asa made a hasty move by asking help from the Syrian king Benhadad. They succeeded with a great victory! Afterward, Hanani the seer reproved Asa for his foolishness by not relying on God. He prophesied, “from henceforth thou shalt have wars” (2 Chr 16:9). Initially, there was “no more war” because Asa sought the Lord. But after a long period of peace, a prospect of war caused Asa to seek a stronger ally instead of God for help! As “good soldiers of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim 2:3), we are consistently fighting for “the good fight of faith” (1 Tim 6:12). But we must do all things “through Christ” (Php 4:13). We must never rely on our own strength, our worldly associations, or even our former victories.

For without Him, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5)! We are constantly in a spiritual battle with Satan (1 Pet 5:8); and we must always stand ready by wearing “the whole armour of God” (Eph 6:13). We don’t wait until he attacks before we come running to God. Even in times of rest, we must “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes 5:17), and seek the Lord “continually” (1 Chr 16:11). Stay close to Him; He is much stronger than our enemy, and He promised to fight for us (Ex 14:14)! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera