Asa started so well!

He listened to those who heard from God and followed God’s ways.  Despite trouble from enemies, Asa saw God’s deliverance and it gave him confidence to clean up his family (15.16) too. But he stops relying on God. And for the Chronicler, that is what’s important.  Asa goes it alone, despite knowing God’s goodness and provision; thinking perhaps he’d got leadership sorted now so he’d make an alliance. He stopped seeking God yet used His temple treasure and resources to make this alliance (16.2)!

Asa had seen God’s deliverance in far tighter spots (12.14) than the one he was currently in as he is told by Hanani in 17.7 - the Chronicler makes it clear, this is an issue of trust - on whom do you rely? Asa decides to rely on himself.  He takes what belongs to God and uses it to make an unholy alliance; he then punishes the prophets that he formerly heard from God from; he suffers with diseased feet but doesn’t return to God for healing; when he dies, he’s already made sure he’s dug his own grave (17.14)! What’s gone wrong? It’s not like God isn’t speaking to him; it’s not like God hasn’t blessed him and granted him success - but Asa forgets, is distracted... we’re not told.  From this distance, it’s hard to understand until we look into this mirror of God’s word and realise we have a lot in common with Asa!

We drift away; we forget; we stop relying on Him; we get distracted. This was me this very morning, letting myself stay distracted by cares and anxieties God is able to deal with, letting them occupy my mind instead of my Bible; being anxious and upset. BUT God (as Paul loves to write) had it under control- having destined me to be born to parents who instilled daily Bible reading from an early age AND a cracking set of notes this morning that started with “Remind yourself that God is in control of his world - and of your life. What a relief!” I could do nothing but turn again to Him, my Author and Finisher! Total reliance is what’s needed and this is what Asa ditched.

The Chronicler is doing something different than the writers of Kings - he emphasises the personal responsibility we have to God and the fact that actions have consequences - Asa had God’s healing and wisdom available to him, but he chose not to rely on God.

***

Lord, I am not reliable, but YOU never change! Once again I turn back towards You, I set my face to seek and follow You because in You is my only hope.  AMEN