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If I had one message left to preach, that message would be on the cross and the resurrection. If I had two messages left to preach, the other message would be from our reading today. I have often thought about King Asa as an example of so many Christians. Asa served the LORD in one season in his life, but was not serving the LORD as his life came to a close. In chapter 14, we read that King Asa removed the pagan altars. He relied on the LORD for success in military battles. In chapter 15, we read that Asa was a person who gained the respect of others and influenced them to a point of serving God. However, all of that changes in chapter 16. Asa ceased to rely on God, and instead, relied on another king. When confronted with his sin, Asa was so enraged that he put his “confronter” in prison. Then, in a very sad commentary, we read that Asa died seeking help only from the physicians, but not from the LORD.
How does this backwards transformation happen? I think we have our clue in 2 Chronicles 16:9. Whatever good may be said about Asa, it must have been that his heart was not fully committed to God.
As you think about Asa’s story, allow me to leave you two thoughts to ponder. First, understand, that your relationship with God today says nothing about your relationship with God tomorrow. That is, you must strive to be fully committed to God every day. If not, you may slowly drift in your relationship to Him. Second, ask yourself today if there is anything in your life that gives evidence of not being fully committed to God.
Devotional by Steve Horn. Scripture links by www.biblegateway.com. Animated video by www.thebibleproject.com.
