2 Chronicles 16:1-14
In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. Asa tool the silver and gold and sent to Ben-Hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. Asked Aram help him break the treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from Judah.
The Lord sent the seer Hanani to Asa and said to him: "Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. ... For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."
Asa's faith weakens under test in his later years. Under threat from Israel he calls in foreign aid from Syria. And in sickness he turns, not to God, but to 'doctors'. These may in fact be mediums or medicine-men, since 'this is the only time in the Bible that consulting physicians is considered a sin'. Nonetheless, in death, his people honour him.
Fire: Not a cremation, but the burning of spices.
Why?
A good king in eyes of the Lord fails in his trust on the Lord in his later years.
Too easy life or rest for a long time, his faith was weakened.
Trust on the Lord is a life time lesson to everyone who follow the Jesus. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.(1 Peter 5:8) 務要謹守,警醒。因為你們的仇敵魔鬼,如同吼叫的獅子,遍地遊行,尋找可吞吃的人。
How?
The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Trust in Him.
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