A Good King With A Bad Result

                                                               2 Chronicles 14-16

 

 

1.                  “Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true all his days.”  (2 Chron. 15:17)

 

2.                  Kings and Chronicles

a.                   Kings: alternating accounts of rulers of both kingdoms

b.                  Chronicles: focus on the line of David in Judah

c.                   Religious impact is of more interest in Chronicles

 

3.                  The theme of 2 Chronicles

 

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and

seek my face and turn from my wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven

and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  (7:14)

 

4.                  An example: Asa (2 Chron. 15:2)

a.                   The third king of Judah

b.                  Reigned 41 years in Jerusalem

c.                   Provided Judah stability through a turbulent period that saw the deaths of six kings in the northern kingdom

d.                  Regarded as a good king who did what was right

e.                   A definite example of the impact of humility or pride

 

5.                  When Asa humbled himself

a.                   Acted to remove what was bad, without fear or favor (14:3,5; 15:8,16)

b.                  Caused his people to seek God and keep the law (14:4; 15:12,15)

c.                   Recognized peace as a gift and made good use of it (14:1,5-7; 15:18,19)

d.                  Relied on the LORD when enemies threatened (14:11-13)

e.                   Took courage from the prophet’s words (15:2-8)

f.                   Was a unifying and renewing influence (15:8,9)

 

6.                  When pride got the best of Asa

a.                   Israel came against him and he sent to Syria for help (16:1-6)

b.                  Became angry with the prophet who rebuked him and took it out on the people (16:7-10)

c.                   When he became ill, he ignored God and sought help from men (16:11,12)

 

7.                  “Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days.” 

(1 Kings 15:14)