OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - WEDNESDAY - 03/09/2014 - A FOOLISH ACT BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

A FOOLISH ACT

Memorise

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

2 Chronicles 16:9

Read

2 Chronicles 16:7-9

7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.

8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.

9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Message

There was a king in the land of Judah called Asa, the son of Abijah (Judah comprised of two out of the twelve tribes of Israel). He reigned over Judah for forty-one years. He had a good record and was highly commended for the many wonderful things he achieved for the Lord during his tenure. The Bible in 2 Chronicles 14:2-3 says:

“And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:”

The above passage reveals the good works of King Asa as highly commendable, especially because at that time, Israel was in a state of apostasy. He knew the laws of God and had zeal for the things of God. He hated evil and anything that represented evil. This he exhibited by taking away the strange altars, breaking down contrary images and cutting down the groves. What more can anyone expect from King Asa but continued commitment to God. Because of King Asa’s obedience, God showed Himself strong on behalf of Judah during his reign. God fought against their enemies and sent several prophets to the king to encourage him, give him direction, and warn him of impending dangers. However, in the thirty-sixth year of King Asa’s reign, Baasha the king of Israel took up arms against Judah his brother and Asa was sore afraid. He was so afraid that he forgot the great battles the Lord had won for him in the past. Out of fear and confusion, he negotiated with Syria, giving them the treasures of the House of God as a reward for their assistance. This is where King Asa committed a foolish mistake. I pray that you will not be blind to anything capable of destroying you, your family or your future in Jesus’ Name.

The agreement King Asa had with Benhadad, king of Syria, appeared to be highly rewarding at first because it resulted in King Baasha retreating to his domain. But God said by so doing, Asa had acted foolishly. Always remember that the eyes of the Lord are running to and fro throughout the whole world to show Himself strong on behalf of anyone whose heart is perfect towards Him. Do not look at your circumstance, look unto God for survival, sustenance, support and blessings, and you will never be disappointed in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point

Father, please let me never fall into any circumstance that will make me negotiate or enter into an agreement with the enemies of God, in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

John 14:15-16:33

Job 32:15-33:7