Boldness Without God: The Fall of Baasha
The story of Baasha, a king of Israel whose ambition and boldness led him to the throne, but whose lack of fear and obedience to God ultimately led to his ruin. His life serves as a stark warning: boldness without God is a dangerous path.
1. Baasha's Boldness to Take the Throne (1 Kings 15:27):
"And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him, and defeated Baasha at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; while Nadab and all Israel were besieging Gibbethon." Baasha displayed remarkable boldness in overthrowing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam. Many people are bold to gain power, but without considering God's principles. We must be wary of ambition that is not tempered by humility and obedience to God.
2. Rise to Power Does Not Justify Evil (1 Kings 15:28):
"And Baasha killed him in the third year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead." God permits changes in government, but those who assume power must act justly. Temporary success does not mean divine approval. Just because we achieve a position of power does not mean our actions are justified in God's eyes.
3. The Fulfillment of God's Judgment on Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:29)
: "And it came to pass, as soon as he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; and he left none of Jeroboam's breath, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite." Baasha was used by God to fulfill the prophecy against Jeroboam. Even though he was an instrument of judgment, he himself did not walk in the ways of the Lord. God can use even the wicked to accomplish His purposes, but it does not excuse their own sin.
4. Baasha Repeated the Sins of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:30):
"Because of the sins of Jeroboam, who sinned and made Israel to sin, and because of his provocation with which he provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger." God expects us to learn from the mistakes of others. Baasha eliminated the house of Jeroboam, but he did not eliminate their sins. We must not repeat the sins of those who came before us; we must break the cycle of disobedience.
5. Opposition to the Kingdom of Judah – The Building of Ramah (1 Kings 15:17):
"So Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, so that no one would let Asa king of Judah go out or come in." Baasha tried to prevent Judah from growing stronger by showing his rivalry. When we care more about politics than God, we forget the true mission. We must prioritize God's kingdom above our own agendas.
6. Asa's Response – Alliance with Ben-Hadad (1 Kings 15:18):
"Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and the treasuries of the king's house, and put it into the hands of his servants, and sent it to Ben-Hadad king of Aram." Asa responded to Baasha’s threat with a political alliance. God wants us to trust Him, not human strategies. We must rely on God's provision, not the fleeting security of worldly alliances.
7. God’s Judgment Against Baasha (1 Kings 16:1-2):
"Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying, ‘Because I raised you up out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, yet you have walked in the way of Jeroboam...’” God raised up Baasha, but he failed to follow his evil ways. Being promoted by God requires spiritual responsibility. We are accountable for how we use the positions God grants us.
8. The Ruin of the House of Baasha (1 Kings 16:3):
"Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house, and will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat." The same judgment that fell on Jeroboam fell on Baasha. Those who do not learn from divine discipline end up repeating history. God's judgment is impartial; He holds everyone accountable for their actions.
9. The Death of Baasha – The End of a Godless Government (1 Kings 16:6):
"And Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead." His boldness brought him to the throne, but it did not keep him there. Life without God may have moments of success, but it ends in failure. True success comes from walking in God's ways.
10. Baasha’s Example for Us Today (Galatians 6:7):
"Therefore do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Boldness without fear of God leads to destruction. We need boldness to do good, not to seek selfish interests. We must strive to live lives marked by obedience, not by the repetition of past mistakes.
- Preaching on Nadab: What Happens When You Sin and Make Others Sin
- Preaching on Samuel: A Beacon of Righteousness
- Preaching on Eli: A Cautionary Tale of Responsibility
Conclusion
Baasha's life reminds us that worldly boldness, devoid of Godly fear, ultimately leads to ruin. Let us learn from his mistakes and seek a boldness that is rooted in obedience and submission to God's will. May our lives reflect a true and lasting devotion to Him. Amen.
