June 25, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Kings 15:1-24 - The first 24 verses of this chapter start with Abijah becoming the next king of Judah after his father, Rehoboam died.  Abijah only reigned three years because, "his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God..." verse 3.  After Abijah's death his son, Asa, became king.  Asa was generally a good king and he did what was right with God but he didn't always trust the Lord as he should have, especially with his compromising with Ben-Hadad of Assyria.

2 Chronicles 13 - In this account of Abijah's life it is brought out that for one major conflict with the northern tribes of Israel, Abijah did trust the Lord to help him.  He reminded Jeroboam of Israel that God had called the people to worship only Him and to do so at Jerusalem.  Jeroboam tried to defeat Abijah by attacking him from both front and rear, but God gave the people of Judah success and victory.

2 Chronicles 14 - This chapter shows King Asa as a king who trusted the Lord in spite of overwhelming odds, verse 9.  Asa was convinced that God could help him and he prayed accordingly and won the victory.

2 Chronicles 15 - Please note verse 9 where it is clear that people from all over Israel and Judah gathered in Judah to join Asa and his people because, "...they saw that the Lord his God was with him."  When Asa walked with God people wanted to walk with Asa!

2 Chronicles 16 - Though the previous chapters spoke of Asa's faith in the Lord, when he was faced with the northern tribes of Israel attacking him, he chose to "buy victory" from the Assyrians and their king, Ben-Hadad, instead of relying on God.  Asa was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, verses 7-9 and he was told the outcome would be more conflict as a punishment.  Please note the great thought in verse 9 and learn to rely on the Lord when you face difficulties.  "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him..."