1 Kings 15:1-8 – King Abijah of Judah
Abijah succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah, but committed all the sins his father had done. His heart was not fully devoted the God. Despite his failings, God established him and made Jerusalem strong for David’s sake. He professed God when he needed God’s help but never had a steadfast commitment to God and His commands.
Do you turn to God only when you need help?
2 Chronicles 13 tell us more details about Abijah’s reign. Abijah and Jeroboam were at war. Abijah told Jeroboam and all of Israel that the Lord, the God of Israel, is the one who gave kingship to David and his descendants forever and yet he, Jeroboam planned to resist. He told Jeroboam that he had a vast army and golden calves for his gods, but the Lord is Judah’s God and Judah has not forsaken Him. Judah observed the requirements of the Lord and He is with them as their leader. So Jeroboam will not succeed.
Lessons from Abijah’s example and
God’s response: God is faithful and keeps
His promises. We will prevail when we
rely on the Lord. The Lord is with you
while you are with him. Cry out to God,
pray to Him, seek Him, rely on Him, and God will give you the victory.
There is a difference in seeking God to escape a crisis and truly turning to Him to transform your life. Deep down people know God is actually there, even though in their daily lives they don’t live like it. Romans 1:18-32 tell us: they suppress the truth, what is known about God is plain to them because He has shown it to them, they don’t honor Him as God, they exchanged the truth about God for a lie. They pray during crisis because deep down they know He is around to hear them. They want Him to fix their problems, but they don’t want to give up control of their lives to actually live the way He commands. To truly turn to God and to transform your life is to live daily doing what is right and following His ways.
There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout Abijah’s lifetime so there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. Abijah reigned for 3 years and then died. God did not bless his reign. His son, Asa succeeded him as king. Asa reigned 41 years and brought spiritual reforms to the kingdom. He was fully committed to God all his life. 2 Chronicles 14-16 tell us more details of his reign. 1 Kings 15:11; 2 Chronicles 14:2 – “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.”
Asa brought rest and restoration to Judah. It was a time of peace and during that time he strengthened Judah’s defenses and began leading the people to seek God and obey His commands.
Principle: To do what is right is to turn from evil and stand with God.
1 Kings 15:9-24; 2 Chronicles 14-15 – King Asa of Judah
A massive army with 300 chariots
from Cush went up against Judah. Asa didn’t
panic, but went to God in prayer. “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against
the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for
we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail
against you.” – 2 Chronicles 14:11.
In God’s response to Asa’s prayer God gave Judah victory over the
Cush.
God has a reputation for helping the powerless and is known for reversing overwhelming odds. God is stronger than anything or anyone. He often works in ways that overcome human weaknesses and seemingly impossible odds. His work is accomplished through His power, never by human strength. When we trust Him, we know that He will preserve in us the good work He started in us. He preserves our lives for His plan and purpose.
The prophet Azariah told Asa, “The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if your forsake him, he will forsake you.” – 2 Chronicles 15:2. He also warned him that God’s protection would be lost if he abandoned God. Asa was so encouraged by God’s message that he removed idolatry from Judah, repaired the altar, and brought treasures back into the temple. He called on the people to renew their commitment to the Lord. He deposed his grandmother Maacah, the queen mother and her idolatry.
What is keeping you from being courageous and standing with God?
Principle: God’s work is accomplished through His power – never by human strength.
1 Kings 15:16-24; 2 Chronicles 16 – Asa’s Last Years
Baasha became king of Israel and reigned 24 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. In Asa’s last years when he faced danger from Baasha, he made a foolish choice and turned to a pagan nation for help instead of God. The prophet Hanani rebuked Asa since he refused to rely on the Lord. Hanani told him that for the remainder of his reign he would be plagued by constant war. Instead of being convicted by God’s discipline, Asa became angry with the prophet and put him in prison. Asa began to oppress his own people. A severe disease in his feet plagued his final years of life, yet he didn’t seek help from the Lord. He died after 41-year reign in Judah. Was Asa really committed to the Lord? We can’t be sure, but we do know that God gives flawed people grace and mercy.
Principle: God strengths us when we rely on Him.
Do you do what is right in the eyes of the Lord?
This week’s attribute of God is He is Preserver. When we trust God, He preserves our salvation and preserves our lives for His purpose.
Next week we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided in 1 Kings. Hope to see you here. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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