Asa Physician of Judah 2 Chronicles 14 16

Asa: Physician of Judah 2 Chronicles 14 -16

Background: Asa’s Lineage � Solomon � Rehoboam � Abijah � Asa KINGDOM DIVIDES

Background: State of Judah � Judah has turned from God to idolatry. � Judah and Israel are continually warring. � Israel in turmoil ◦ 7 different kings during Asa’s reign ◦ 3 different royal families ◦ Headed toward captivity

Asa Tears Down Judah’s Idols � Destroys idols, high places, incense altars. (2 Chronicles 14: 1 -5) � How? ◦ “He took courage” (2 Chronicles 14: 8) � Where? ◦ Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim ◦ Everywhere! � Why? ◦ He trusted God’s promises! (2 Chron. 15: 2)

Asa Turns Wholeheartedly to God � Calls nation together to sacrifice to the Lord. (2 Chron. 15: 9 -15) � Nationwide covenant-seek the Lord � Asa brings freewill offering to the Temple. (I Kings 15: 15).

Asa Turns Wholeheartedly to God � Result: Peace and prosperity ◦ “The kingdom had rest” (2 Chronicles 14: 5) ◦ “The Lord gave him peace” (2 Chronicles 14: 6) ◦ “They built and prospered” (2 Chronicles 14: 8) � Deliverance from enemies ◦ Zerah the Ethiopian- 1 million man army

Asa Stops Trusting in the Lord � Siege by Israel ◦ Asa turns to Ben-Hadad � Confrontation with Hanani ◦ Imprisons Hanani ◦ Commits “cruelties” against own subjects � Foot Disease ◦ “Physician” doesn’t take own advice

Have I torn down my idols? � Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. (Col. 3: 5 -6)

Have I turned wholeheartedly to God? � “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. ” (Mt 22: 37 -38)

Have I stopped trusting in the Lord? � “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. ” (Psalm 32: 10)