What parallels exist between Asa's actions and Jesus' teachings on faith and obedience? Asa’s Snapshot “Therefore he said to the people of Judah, ‘Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.’ So they built and prospered.” Parallel 1 – Seeking First, Then Building • Asa first “sought the LORD” and only then laid stone and timber. • Jesus echoes the same order: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). • Faith starts with pursuit of God; provision and stability follow. Parallel 2 – Obedient Builders on Solid Ground • Asa’s walls rose because he obeyed the covenant commands (14:4). • Jesus: “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24–25). • Both accounts link obedience to sturdy, lasting construction—physical in Judah, spiritual in the kingdom. Parallel 3 – Rest Promised to the Faithful • “He has given us rest on every side.” • Jesus: “Come to Me… and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). • Genuine rest is not passive; it is God’s gift to those who trust and obey. Parallel 4 – Prosperity that Flows from Abiding • “So they built and prospered.” • Jesus: “The one who abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit” (John 15:5). • Prosperity/fruitfulness is pictured as outcome, never the foundation. Parallel 5 – Victory Through Dependence • Asa later trusted the Lord against the Cushite million-man army and watched God rout the enemy (14:9–15). • Jesus: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) and “Take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). • Dependence on God secures triumph neither numbers nor strength can win. Living the Parallels • Start every endeavor by actively seeking God’s face. • Measure obedience by action, not intention; build what He commands. • Expect His peace to guard heart and mind when faith precedes effort (Philippians 4:6–7). • Abide in Christ; fruit and prosperity follow at His timing and scale. • Face opposition with confidence that victory rests in the Lord, not in our resources. |
    |