How does Asa's example relate to Jesus' teachings on wholehearted devotion? Setting the scene • 1 Kings 15:14: “The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days.” • We meet King Asa about sixty years after Solomon. Judah is wobbling between loyalty to God and the pull of idolatry. In that mix, Scripture gives Asa this priceless commendation: his heart stayed wholly the LORD’s. What Asa got right: a heart fully devoted • “Fully devoted” in Hebrew carries the sense of being whole, undivided, at peace in one direction. • Asa’s reforms earlier in the chapter (vv. 11–13) show what that looked like: – He “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” – He removed the cult prostitutes. – He deposed his own grandmother for her idolatrous image. – He brought the silver and gold dedicated to the LORD into the temple treasury. • His devotion was not lip-service; it cost him something politically, socially, and personally. Where Asa fell short: high places still standing • Even with a devoted heart, he left pockets of compromise—a reminder that genuine love for God can coexist with areas still needing surrender. • Later, in 2 Chronicles 16, Asa relies on a foreign alliance instead of the LORD, then grows angry when confronted (vv. 7-10). • Scripture records both the triumphs and the lapses to show that wholehearted devotion is tested over a lifetime. Jesus raises the bar on devotion • Matthew 22:37 – 38: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” • Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters…” • Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Jesus affirms and deepens the Old Testament call: devotion is holistic—heart, allegiance, lifestyle, and ongoing obedience. Connecting Asa’s heart to Jesus’ words • Same standard, clearer spotlight: Asa’s story shows the Old Covenant call to an undivided heart; Jesus names that call openly and universally for every disciple. • The “high places” Asa left mirror the inner altars we sometimes spare—habits, attitudes, loyalties that compete with Christ. • Asa’s reforms illustrate Jesus’ teaching that real love demands decisive action: removing idols, confronting family-based compromise, honoring God with resources. • Asa’s lapse in later life underscores Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first the kingdom” continually, not just in early zeal. Takeaways for today • Wholehearted devotion starts in the heart but shows up in choices, priorities, and courage. • Leaving even a few “high places” eventually weakens devotion; the sooner they go, the freer the heart becomes. • Jesus calls for the same single-minded loyalty Asa displayed—only deeper, empowered by the Spirit and secured by grace. • Ongoing self-examination keeps devotion fresh: “Are there any high places still standing in me?” • The record of Asa’s life encourages perseverance. A faithful start must be matched by a faithful finish, looking “to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). |
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