Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 16; Revelation 5; Zechariah 1; John 4
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
God is constantly watching for those who trust in him. That is the message that Hanani brought to king Asa. When faced with a tough decision, who will trust in God and who will trust in man? In the past, Asa had trusted in God in the face of battle and had prevailed. However, when faced with war against Basha, he looked to man for help instead of crying out to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
This message displeased Asa and he locked the seer (prophet) up. I am sure Hanani was saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger!” How sad that Asa who had once been very dependent upon the Lord now relied on man for help. Could that happen in our lives? Is it possible that we start out trusting in God and seeking his direction only to rely more on man later in life? Yes, it is possible and that is why the story of Asa is so important. We need to be reminded that we must always:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Not only did Asa trust in man in military matters, but he also turned to man in health matters as well.
2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
As the eyes of God scan your life will they see you trusting in him in all matters? Do you seek the wisdom and counsel of God first or do you seek man’s counsel first? You cannot go wrong when you trust in Jesus. You can trust him in every matter that comes your way!
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
In Christ,
Rody
