King Asa: A Model of Righteous Leadership
A figure from the pages of scripture, a man whose reign stands as a testament to the power of faithfulness: King Asa of Judah. We read in 2 Chronicles 14:2, "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God." For forty-one years, he ruled, and for the majority of those years, Judah enjoyed peace. But what was it that made Asa a "good king?" What qualities did he possess that we, as followers of Christ, can learn from?
I. A King Who Purged False Religion (2 Chronicles 14:3, 5)
Asa understood that true prosperity could only be found in obedience to God. He didn't tolerate the idols and false gods that had corrupted the land. 2 Chronicles 14:3 tells us, "for he removed the altars of the foreign gods and the high places, and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images." He understood the danger of syncretism, of mixing the pure worship of God with the corrupt practices of paganism.
Just as Asa removed the physical idols, we must remove the idols of our hearts. What are the "high places" in our lives that hinder our devotion to God? Is it materialism, pride, or the pursuit of worldly approval? Asa's example challenges us to purify our hearts and dedicate ourselves fully to God's service. We are reminded of the stark contrast between Asa's actions and the wicked deeds of kings like Ahab, mentioned in 1 Kings 16:30-33, who actively promoted idolatry.
II. A King Who Commanded His People to Serve God (2 Chronicles 14:4)
Asa didn't just cleanse the land; he actively led his people back to God. 2 Chronicles 14:4 states, "He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment." He understood that true leadership involved spiritual guidance. He called his people to a life of obedience, reminding them of the covenant God had made with their ancestors.
This reminds us of the importance of spiritual leadership in our own lives. We are called to encourage one another to seek God, to study His Word, and to live according to His commandments. Just as Jeremiah warned against trusting in idols (Jeremiah 17:1-2), Asa understood that true security came from obedience to the Lord.
III. A King Who Turned to God in Times of Trouble (2 Chronicles 14:9-11)
When faced with an overwhelming army, Asa didn't rely on his own strength or the might of his forces. He turned to God in prayer. 2 Chronicles 14:11 records his powerful plea: "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!"
Asa recognized his dependence on God. He understood that true victory came from the Lord. This contrasts with the foolishness of those who trust in human strength, as Jeremiah points out in Jeremiah 17:5. We also see that when Asa later in his life, faced a threat, he relied on an alliance with a foreign king instead of God (2 Chron 16:1-10), and this brought condemnation from God. Let us learn from Asa's initial humble prayer, and his later mistakes, to always put our trust in God.
IV. A King Who Prioritized God Above Family (2 Chronicles 15:16)
Even when it involved his own mother, Asa refused to compromise his devotion to God. 2 Chronicles 15:16 tells us, "Also he removed Maachah, the mother of Asa the king, from being queen mother, because she had made an obscene image of Asherah; and Asa cut down her obscene image, then crushed and burned it by the Brook Kidron." He understood that loyalty to God must supersede even familial ties.
- Preaching on Duties as Members of Christ's Church
- Preaching on Zacharias and Elizabeth: Barren Wombs, Boundless Faith
- Preaching on Rejoice in The Lord
Conclusion
This reminds us of Jesus's words in Matthew 10:37, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." Asa's example teaches us that our ultimate allegiance must be to God, even when it means making difficult choices. Just as Joshua challenged the people to choose whom they would serve (Joshua 24:15), we must choose God above all else.
