Message Title: God Versus Politics!
Message Text: 2 Chronicles 16 (and 2 Chronicles 14)
MP3: God Versus Politics : 2 Chronicles 16 : ffc : dave scott : 091315 PM
WMA: God Versus Politics : 2 Chronicles 16 : ffc : dave scott : 091315 PM
- (2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV) For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.
His intent was to avoid war, and he got just the opposite.
This oft-quoted verse was a rebuke to King Asa and is a cautionary tale to the rest of us. King Asa began well but had pulled back in his commitment to the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. In doing so his faith wavered, his leadership crumbled and his character weakened.
He was not the same man who faced the million-man army from Ethiopia and relied on God for the victory. In chapter sixteen when Baasha threatened him on the border of his country, he saw an opportunity to resolve the conflict politically. He made a treaty, or more accurately bought an allegiance with silver and gold. Because of his lack of faith he did not aim high enough.
Just as we do.
Too often we think “We can do that” instead of seeking God and lifting our eyes a little higher for the plans that he would have for us. We may even succeed in our efforts as Asa did, and, as Asa did, leave ourselves open for God’s rebuke because of our lack of trust.
