Click to read 1 Kings 15
Synopsis
Successors of the first kings of the Northern and Southern kingdoms continued to war against one another. Most of these kings continued to lead their people into sin while only a few tried to follow after God. This chapter records the deeds of Abijah and Asa of Judah and Nadab and Baasha of Israel.
Abijah was the son of Rehoboam. He reigned only for 3 years and was just as sinful as his father was. He was a wicked king. Still, God kept His promise to David to keep his descendants on the throne.
His son, Asa, succeeded him and he was one of the few kings who came close to being good. Though he followed after God and destroyed pagan worship during many years of his 41-year reign, he made the mistake of choosing the easy way in his final years. Rather than trusting God completely, he bribed the King of Aram to defeat Baasha's forces. When God sent His messenger to correct him, instead of repenting, Asa jailed the messenger (see 2 Chronicles 17:7-13). Asa eventually died of a disease afflicting his feet. he died refusing to trust God.
Baasha of the Northern kingdom fulfilled God's judgment upon Jeroboam for his sins. Baasha killed all of Jeroboam's family members as prophesied by Ahijah (1 Kings 14:14).
Major Verses
V4-5 - Abijah was a wicked king because he did not follow after God. He committed all the sins like his father did. Yet God still allowed him and his descendants to rule of over the kingdom, just because He made a promise to David.
What I learn
God is a faithful God. What He has promised, He will fulfill, even if His people did not keep their part. How much more we can blessed if we keep our focus upon Him and follow Him with all our hearts. Let's purpose in our hearts to follow Him all the way, let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us do just that.
V11-15 - The bible says that Asa did what was right in the eyes of God, just as David did. He removed all the signs of pagan worship, even cutting down the Asherah pole that his grandmother put up. This pleased the Lord.
What I learn
It takes courage and commitment to follow God. There is a price to pay, but the prize from Him is worth it all. Let us trust Him as we take a stand for Him, as well live out our Christian life daily.
V23-24 - Towards the end of his reign, Asa committed a grave mistake. He did not trust God as Baasha mounted his forces over Judah. Instead, he made a treaty with the king of Aram to fight Baaha. Additionally, when he was sick with a disease on his legs, instead of seeking God's help, he trusted in human physicians (these are recorded in 2 Chron 16:11-14"). This marked a sad ending to the king who was almost good....
What I learn
When we trust God, we must trust Him all the way. It does not mean that we cannot consult a doctor when we are sick, what I do is to commit the doctor to God even as I consult him. In this way, we put God into our life. By showing reverence to Him, we are honoring Him and His love for us.
V29-30 - Just as God kept His promise to David, He also kept His judgment on Jeroboam. Baasha, once he became king, killed all the clan members of Jeroboam. Not one soul was left, fulfilling what God had said to Jeroboam's wife.
What I learn
Be wise not to sin against God. As much as He is a loving God, He is also a Holy God who cannot condone sin. Thank Him that He had given His Son to take our sins aways so that He do not need to punish us with eternal hell. Let's embrace the grace of God by trusting in Jesus daily, for He has become an advocate for us before the Father. Through His blood we are cleansed and saved. Hallelujah.
Summary
Judah and Israel suffered because they were led into sin by their kings. As leaders, we bear greater responsibilities as our followers depend on our leading. We must revere and trust God always, so as to walk in His path.
Up next...
We continue to learn from the mistakes of more kings. Let's do it together on 4th Feb....
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