What can we learn from Asa's example about prioritizing God's will in leadership? The Setting • Judah had drifted into idol worship after Solomon. Asa, Solomon’s great-grandson, inherited a nation cluttered with high places and foreign gods. • Against that backdrop, 1 Kings 15:11 introduces Asa’s reign with a single, powerful statement of direction. Key Verse “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done.” (1 Kings 15:11) What We See in Asa’s Leadership Priorities • A clear standard: “right in the eyes of the LORD.” Asa governed by God’s evaluation, not public opinion. • Continuity with David: Scripture ties Asa to “his father David,” reminding us that godly leadership remains consistent with earlier revelation rather than inventing new truth. • Immediate action (2 Chronicles 14:3–5): – Removed foreign altars and high places. – Smashed sacred pillars and cut down Asherah poles. – Commanded Judah to seek the LORD and obey His law. • Personal integrity (1 Kings 15:12–13): – Drove out male cult prostitutes. – Deposed his grandmother Maacah from her royal position because she had made an obscene idol. • Dependence on God for national security (2 Chronicles 14:11): when threatened by the Cushite army, Asa prayed, “O LORD, there is none besides You to help...” and the LORD granted victory. • Cautionary note (2 Chronicles 16:7–9): in later years Asa relied on a treaty with Ben-hadad of Aram instead of seeking God, and he was rebuked. Leadership must keep God’s will first to the very end. Practical Takeaways for Today’s Leaders • Measure every decision by Scripture, not popularity. • Confront sin decisively—even when it costs relational capital. • Lead corporate worship toward wholehearted devotion, not mere tradition. • Seek divine help before human strategy; strategy is never a substitute for prayerful dependence. • Finish well. Past victories do not excuse future compromise. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 3:5–6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart... He will make your paths straight.” • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” • Hebrews 12:1–2—Run with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, “the Author and Perfecter of our faith.” |
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