2 Chronicles 16

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: ‘Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand. Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.’ Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time.”  2 Chronicles 16:7-10 (NKJV)

We live in an era where the growing sentiment among the general population is to rely on the government to provide for us. More & more, people believe it is the government’s responsibility to ensure our healthcare, college education, wages, and overall well-being. This idea of entitlement is very attractive because it takes the responsibility off us to be individually accountable. We would rather be corporate consumers than individual contributors. But a problem arises whenever we place our trust in politicians to be our providers. And that problem is that we need politicians who seek the Lord. Shouldn’t we skip the middleman and seek the Lord as our provider? Should we not labor with integrity as we search God’s Word? Judah had that exact problem. Their king just decided to quit seeking God. Perhaps it was because the people stopped seeking God. (2 Chronicles 15:17)  

Today’s chapter shows the exact scenario as yesterday (2 Chronicles 15). Judah was in distress and on the verge of being wiped out by war.   In chapter 15, the prophet exhorts the king with God’s Word, reminding Asa of God’s promise and strengthening him by remembering God’s abiding presence and love for His people. It is the same idea conveyed by David, running for his life from King Saul.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

It was the same message that King David exhorted the people of Israel with whenever they were threatened by foreign armies.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)

King Asa chose wisely in chapter 15, but by chapter 16, he figured he did not need to consult God, choosing to trust in a foreign army. He should have listened to David.

“And David said to Gad, ‘I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.’” 2 Samuel 24:14 (NKJV)