If you read several biographies of great men, you would easily recognize that the life story might vary greatly with the author. However, Scriptural biographies are faithful to the truth. The features of the character, both good and bad, are prominent.
In the Bible there is no touching up of the negative to give the photograph a more pleasing appearance. As an historian the Spirit of God knows nothing of the art of flattery. As a man is in his heart so is he before God.
Tonight I want us to consider King Asa. Sometimes the kings are confusing, because we have two different kingdoms in view. Of course Saul was the first king, then came David, and his son Solomon. However, following Solomon's rule the kingdom divided with the ten northern tribes called Israel and the two southern tribes called Judah. Asa was the third king of Judah. Notice that his life serves as both an encouragement and as warning to us.
I. His Good Character 14:1-15
A. Background
1. Abijah was his father ( ruled 3 years)
2. Rehoboam was his grandfather
3. Solomon was his great-grandfather.
B. He did right v 1-8
1. Right thinking will lead to right acting.
2. Asa not only 'broke down the images', but he also 'commanded Judah to seek the Lord!
3. It isn't enough to put away the wrong; we must also seek the right.
C. He had great faith v 9-15
1. Asa's faith was put to the test when his army of 580,000 was met by 1,000,000 Ethiopians with 300 chariots.
2. His faith did not falter
3. Notice: before the battle began Asa had won the victory through prayer. Too often we turn this around.
4. He had faith in God, but much more than that, he had confidence in Him.
II. His Warning from God 15:1-19
A. The message of the prophet v 1-7
1. It was a timely warning -
a. Because God knew that he was in danger of being lifted up with pride.
b. He was in danger of becoming self confident.
2. It was a message of encouragement to be strong in the Lord.
B. Popularity with the people. v 8-15
1. Asa was encouraged by the prophets' message
2. He remained strong in the Lord
a. He put away the idols
b. He renewed the altar of the Lord
c. He offered sacrifices unto the Lord.
3. Many of Israel (the northern kingdom) defeated.
4. They all entered into a new covenant with each other.
a. To seek the Lord with all their hearts.
b. To put to death anyone who refused.
5. Once again, he was put to the test v 16-19
a. His grandmother, Maachah, was found to be still worshipping idols.
b. She was removed - permanently and the idols were destroyed.
c. Asa's heart remained perfect before God.
III. His Sudden Failure 16:1-14
A. Asa's faith falters. v 1-6
1. 20 Years had gone by since they had all covenanted together
2. It had been 20 years of peace and prosperity
3. But suddenly, Baasha king of Israel, threatens their safety.
a. Baasha fortified Ramah which was located 5-10 miles north of Jerusalem.
b. His intentions were to stop all from going down to Judah.
4. Asa, desecrated the things of God in order to buy the strength of the Syrians.
5. What happened?
a. Had he forgotten the message of Azariah? 15:1-2
b. Had 20 years of peace and prosperity caused him to forget the source?
c. Satan always attacks when we least expect it: during times of success and during times of neglected duty.
d. Asa had failed miserably - not even an attempt to seek God's will is recorded.
B. Asa's attitude changes v 7-10
1. God sent another prophet to deliver yet another message to Asa.
2. Only this message was not one of encouragement, but was one of judgment.
3. He said - NO MORE PEACE!
4. Asa threw Hanani into prison
a. But you can't get rid of the message by getting rid of the messenger.
b. The Word of God stands true!
5. Asa even began to take out his anger upon some of the people.
C. Asa comes to a miserable end v 11-14
1. In just three years Asa was diseased in his feet.
a. As if God said to him, "If you won't walk with me you won't walk at all."
b. God wants us to walk by faith not by sight.
2. Two years later Asa was dead.
a. Because he was still in rebellion against God
b. 'Yet in his disease he sought not the Lord, but to the physicians.'
c. He went to his grave refusing to yield and confess before the Lord.
Asa had so much promise in his service for God. He had such a good start. And yet I am reminded that it doesn't matter how you start a race what does matter is how you finish. Tonight I think there is much to learn from the life of Asa. Are we walking by faith? Trusting the Lord in every situation? We must not rely on ourselves or upon others - only lean upon the Lord.!