04/09/2019 - KING ASA´S EXIT

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And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” 2 Chronicles14:11

The prosperity that Judah experienced in the first ten years of Asa’s rule made his heart exalt. Thus, the king removed divine protection that brought peace to his kingdom. He desired to build up walls around Jerusalem, to be like the nations that did not know the Lord. Moreover, he formed a great army with 580,000 men, but soon was being attacked by Zerah the Ethiopian.

When seeing that multitude, coming from afar and willing to destroy him, Asa realized there was only one way out: cry out to his God. Thankfully, the Most High had not forsaken him, and then answered Asa. In his request for help, the king confessed, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, as You had done all those years. Why did King Asa face that problem at that moment? Because he turned his back on the Omnipotent and trusted his own strength.

Asa told God that He could help both the mighty and the powerless. This way, he confessed his error, for his 500,000 men were no match for that immense army that was against him. He was helped, just like many who left the Lord, who, in a moment of danger, cried out for help. The answer to his plea did not represent the approval of his bad and personal deeds.

In his distress he asked for help, because, like he said, the Lord was their God. Why did he leave the Well of Living Waters and go dig broken cisterns? Unfortunately, many people today are doing this. But, because He loves them, the Most High will deliver them if they seek Him, and then He will send a prophet. This is what He did that day, when He sent Azariah, who, filled with the Spirit, transmitted the message that made Asa purify the kingdom.

In prayer, the king confessed that he trusted God and His Name, and was there to fight his adversaries. Although this was half-truth, the Lord gave them the victory. When Azariah said that God would be with them while they were with Him, the king made a reform of faith in his country and took a radical position: anyone who did not seek the Almighty would die for this sin. This revival lasted a long time!

Any Christian who does not repent, but acts like the wicked, will see that his attitude will prevent the Lord from protecting him. Then, when he least expects it, the enemy will charge against him and take him prisoner as his prisoner. The king of Judah died this way. Years later, he became sick and did not remember the covenant he had made with all the inhabitants of Judah: to only serve God. Poor Asa!

What is in your heart? Before making any decision, see what’s inside. This will determine whether or not the Most High will protect you.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares