Relying on God - Lessons From the Life of a King

Introduction

King Asa was the great-great grandson of King David, and like David, did what was right in the sight of God (1 Kings 15:11). He tore down foreign altars, removed idol worship, and commanded the people to seek the Lord and obey his law (2 Chr. 14:2-5), under penalty of death (2 Chr. 15:13).

Though his life as a whole can be characterized as righteous (1 Kings 15:14), he didn't always rely on God in time of need.

1. When he relied on God...

   1. He prospered (2 Chr. 14:7)
   2. He prevailed (2 Chr. 14:8-15)
   3. He had peace (2 Chr. 15:15,19)

2. When he relied on man...

   1. He had problems
      1. With wars (2 Chr. 16:7-9)
      2. With oppression (2 Chr. 16:10)
      3. With disease (2 Chr. 12)

3. When we rely on man instead of God...

   1. We have problems
      1. When, as Asa did, we rely solely on a physician's care instead of God's (cf. Jas. 5:16)
      2. When rely on scientists to explain our origin (cf. Gen. 1:1). Too many today believe the theory of evolution to be fact not because of any evidence, but because of their trust in men.
      3. When we rely on preachers and teachers to interpret the Bible for us (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15). Seeking help with difficult passages is one thing, but elevating the traditions of men above the commandments of God is quite another (cf. Mk. 7:6). Many churches run into trouble when they place their opinions above the plain teachings of the Bible, the results of which can be clearly seen in anti-ism, liberalism, and denominationalism.
      4. The list goes on (Jn. 16:12), but Jeremiah sums it up nicely (Jer. 17:5)

Conclusion

God wants us to put our trust in Him (1 Pet. 5:7). He cares for us, He is looking out for us (Matt. 10:30), He can sympathize with us (Heb. 4:15), and He wants us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)

The message delivered by Azariah to Asa (2 Chr. 15:2) is no less true today than it was nearly 3,000 years ago. It would serve us well to "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Pr. 3:5-6 NKJV).