2 Chronicles 14-16 – KING ASA – BIOGRAPHY OF A DETERMINED MAN
Several years ago I had the privilege of giving the sermon/eulogy for my grandmother. My sister-in-law suggested to me that Grandma was a rather determined individual. When my mother was a baby she hit a would-be kidnapper over the head with a Billy club and rescued my mother. When my grandfather died leaving her with a daughter (my aunt) to be raised, she raised her. When she broke her ankle and doctors thought she would never walk again, she walked! My grandmother always appeared to be a determined woman. My aunt had a different perspective. When I said “Grandma was determined”, my aunt said, “Grandma was stubborn!”
It is good to be determined, as King Asa was, but we must be careful not to become stubborn like King Asa became.
YEARS OF STRENGTH – CHAPTER 14
Asa was determined to rely on the Lord His God for strength.
Reform – Vss. 2-5
Rest – Vss. 6-8
Reliance – Vss. 9-15
YEARS OF SENSITIVITY – CHAPTER 15
Asa was determined to follow God’s directions and do as he was told.
Reminder – Vss. 1-7
Response – Vs. 8
YEARS OF STRUGGLE
Over the years Asa became more self-reliant. He made the mistake of trying to solve his own problems without God’s help. When he was corrected, instead of repenting, he became stubborn.
Reaction – Vss. 1-6 – Asa reacted by seeking the help of the King of Syria.
Rebuke – Vss. 7-9 – Asa was rebuked for not relying on God.
Rejection – Vs. 10 – Asa stubbornly refused to hear God’s prophet and threw him in jail.
Refusal – Vss. 11-12 – Asa stubbornly refused to seek the Lord’s help when he had diseased feet.
When Asa sought to follow the Lord he was determined.
When Asa refused to follow the Lord he was stubborn.
Which are you?