1 Kings 15:16-24 “Insecurity & Unhealthy Strategies”
Though Asa was a good king, under pressure of war with Baasha he made a bad decision. Due to Asa’s reforms and division in Israel (2 Chronicles 15), many returned to Judah. After securing his place as king, Baasha seized Ramah four miles north of Jerusalem cutting off the road to Israel and controlling the trade route to the north. In spite of Asa’s success resulting from the spiritual reforms, he ceased leaning on God and turned to the king of Aram for assistance. This turning from God and leaning on men came with a great price. Asa said, “Let there be a treaty between you and me, as between my father and your father. Behold, I have sent you a present of silver and gold;…” (19a). Asa took the silver and gold in the treasuries of God’s house (temple) and his house to fund this strategy. This worked temporarily for Asa’s reign, but jeopardized future generations of the people he was serving. Asa’s steps to remedy this pressure of war between he and Baasha was rooted in fear (insecurity). When we develop strategies rooted in insecurity, it is always at the cost of what belongs to God, ourselves, and to future generations! Insecurity and fear do not create healthy strategies!
