145 Thrive Deeper: 1 Kings 15-16

Thrive: Deeper

In this episode of Thrive Deeper we continue our study through the Kings of Israel and Judah. We find the story of Asa in 1 Kings 15, starting in verse 9. We can also find more detail around his reign in 2 Chronicles 14. According to these accounts, the land of Judah experiences peace for 10 years under the reign of Asa. During this time, Asa eradicates anything pagan or idolatrous in the land and they rebuild Judah. Even when an army led by a man named Zerah tries to wage war against him (because of the city’s prosperity, and because Asa calls upon the Lord for help) they win against the Ethiopian army. Asa continues to produce religious reforms, by destroying idols, repairing the altar to God, and removing his evil grandmother from her position of influence over the land. Nevertheless, Asa runs out of steam toward the end of his reign and begins to fall away from the path of righteousness. He stops relying on God and tries to solve the challenges he faces in his own way. Sadly, having started so well, Asa doesn’t turn back to God even when his life depended on it. There is much to learn from King Asa about the legacy we leave from our lives for the future generations.