ASA The Dangers of Self-reliance
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED how someone could go from having complete trust in God to neglecting him altogether? King Asa’s story shows such a transition and helps us understand how even people of great faith can fall into worldly thinking.
Early in his reign, King Asa sought to please God by leading the Israelites to repent and turn from false idols. He experienced God’s blessing and protection for many years as a result. When Asa faced a vast army from Ethiopia, he recognized that God was his only hope and completely trusted in the Lord for the victory (14:11). But years later, when Asa was battling for his life because of a severe foot disease, he put his trust entirely in human physicians (16:12). In both of these situations, the text emphasizes the overwhelming or severe nature of the problem Asa faced and the exclusive object of his hope. What caused Asa to waver in his allegiance to God?
God wants to strengthen those who are fully committed to him
The answer is found in Asa’s response to a relatively minor threat. After many years of peace, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah. Instead of calling out to God for help and wisdom, Asa began to strategize and explore diplomatic options (16:2-3). Although Asa’s human strategy worked and King Baasha withdrew his army, God sent a prophet named Hanani to confront Asa. Hanani chided the king for his foolish actions, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (16:9). Rather than humbly responding to God’s corrective message, Asa reacted in bitterness and turned further away from God. Later, when he suffered from his foot disease, he refused God completely.
King Asa, who had once been eager to trust God, started to trust in his own abilities and in others who held positions of power. Self-reliance and pride had crept in, displacing his faith in the Almighty God. No matter what troubles we face, whether big or small, let us continue to put our trust in God alone. He is always watching over us (Ps 33:18).