What does Asa's choice in 1 Kings 15:18 teach about seeking God's guidance first? The Moment in Question – 1 Kings 15:18 “Then Asa took all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the treasuries of the royal palace and entrusted it to his officials. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who ruled in Damascus…” What Asa Did • Emptied both the temple and palace treasuries • Bought a political alliance with Ben-hadad of Aram • Leaned on human strategy instead of pausing to ask the LORD What Asa Missed • God’s repeated promise to defend Judah (2 Chron 14:11; 2 Chron 16:7–9) • The danger of robbing God’s house to finance human plans (Malachi 3:8–10) • The simple wisdom: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6) The Underlying Issue Asa’s treasury raid wasn’t merely financial; it revealed a heart shift. Earlier he cried out, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help” (2 Chron 14:11). Now, facing Baasha, he never asked. 2 Chron 16:7 records God’s verdict: “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God…” Key Lessons for Us • Seeking God first is not optional; it is obedience. (Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 31:1) • Past victories don’t guarantee present faithfulness; each crisis needs fresh dependence. • Quick fixes can cost long-term peace: “From now on you will have wars” (2 Chron 16:9). • Resources given to God are safest in His hands, not ours. • God actively looks for hearts that rely on Him: “The eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him” (2 Chron 16:9). Practical Ways to Seek God First Today 1. Begin every decision—large or small—with prayer and Scripture. (James 1:5) 2. Check motives: Am I preserving God’s honor or my reputation? 3. Hold resources loosely; ask how God wants them used before spending. 4. Invite mature believers to speak truth before acting impulsively. 5. Wait for clear leading; silence doesn’t mean license to act on our own. Encouraging Promises When We Do • “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8) • “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5) • “Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10) Asa’s choice warns us: bypassing God may look clever, but it drains what matters most. Seeking Him first secures protection, provision, and lasting peace. |
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