1 Kings 15:9-24
After Abijam, his son Asa takes his place on the throne of Judah. His is a long reign, standing in contrast to the two which preceded it! Asa does "that which was right in the eyes of the LORD" (v. 11). And doing what is right consists first in taking away, removing, destroying and burning – an attitude so much more courageous and difficult in that it involves standing against his own grandmother, Maachah, an idolatress! We know the Lord’s words, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37). Since the time of Asa there are numerous young converts who have had to take, and must still take, a stand against their own family! How privileged, on the other hand, are those who have parents who encourage them and show them an example. Think about this young king, whose father, grandfather and grandmother had only given him a bad example! Sad to relate, the end of Asa’s reign does not match up to its commencement; instead of seeking help against Baasha from the LORD, he puts his reliance on Benhadad. The second book of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 16) will allow us to return in more detail to this reign and to the lessons it involves for us.