Day 176- The Bible Recap

Today's reading is 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 13-16. Here's what stood out to me:

We now begin the back and forth between those kings who were "wholly true to the LORD and did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" and those who "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD."

Even though based on 1 Kings we know Abijah was wicked, he did speak truth to Jeroboam, and the LORD used him to defeat him. Again, numbers and man's might are no match for God's sovereignty!

King Asa reigned and began tearing down all the pagan pillars and altars. He understood their years of peace were due to their obedience to the LORD. I love his battle cry to the LORD! "O LORD, there is none like You to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You." What a mighty prayer that we can pray! And the LORD blessed and protected them!

Asa entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, and the LORD gave him rest and courage. He even removed his mother from being queen because she had a "detestable image."

Sadly, Asa eventually started following after his own desires and no longer relied on the LORD and even stopped crying out to Him for help. As a result, the LORD allowed other nations to war after him. He died with a heart full of anger and pride.

What a very important reminder to continually seek after the LORD. Stay in the race! We will never be completely content unless we follow Him and intentionally seek Him out.

I thought it was worth mentioning... I have a note in my study Bible that "high places" were worship sites for local pagan gods. Before the temple was built, Israelites often offered sacrifices in such places. After the temple was built, however, the people were required to sacrifice there instead of at the high places.

~Ann Mays