Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
This blog post is about three kings: Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah. Their encounter with God as leaders is still revelant in this season.
First, it is God who grants power. God does this for the good of those who chooses to follow Him. God sets up and takes down kingdoms, kings and rulers (Jeremiah 1:10). Yes, God has all authority in earth, below the earth, and above the heavens. He gives authority to whom He pleases (Romans 13:1).
Asa
Asa’s story is one of reform and disobedience. In the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 14, we meet him as King Asa of Judah. What a magnificent beginning of doing what right! At the start of his reign, because of Asa’s obedience to God, the people enjoyed peace from war with surrounding nations. Even after ten years of rest, in the time of war, the nation experienced victory. One example is war against the Ethiopians, an army of a million fighters. In contrast, Asa’s warriors only totaled five hundred and eighty thousand. In the face of this opposition, Asa’s prayer (one of my personally favorite prayers) to God was:
“Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name, we go against this multitude. O Lord, you are God; do not let man prevail against You!”
Yet, the Scriptures tell another story about Asa. His reliance and faith changed from God to another king: King Ben-Hadad of Syria (2 Chronicles 16:1-4) This alliance cost Judah their victory. Even in the time of sickness, Asa did not seek God (2 Chronicles 16:11-14).
Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became king after his father’s death. The Bible describes King Jehoshaphat as a king of faith before God. In his heart, was a delight in seeking the ways of the Lord. In all his good works, the willingness to compromise with an ungodly king (Ahab) was a choice.
First, was the allowance of a marriage between his eldest son to the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel (ungodly family of Baal worshippers). The convincing of Ahab to Jehoshaphat that “I am, as you are,” did override Jehoshaphat’s faith and God’s warning (2 Chronicles18:28).
Yet, because God is the judge, His decision is one of a merciful father in that in battle, Jehoshphat’s life was protected. Not so for Ahab and his son, even though they wore disguises. Because God did find good things in Jehoshaphat, mercy was given to him. The reforms of repentance to be faithful as God’s people, once again, blessed the nation of Judah.
Hezekiah
Hezekiah’s story and his relationship with the prophet of Isaiah is most familiar. From the beginning, King Hezekiah did what was right in the eyesight of God, quite different from his father King Ahaz. His devotion and worship of God was seem as loving as that of King David. In this way, there was flourishing and great worship of God within the nation. The people learned about forgiveness and repentance. Hezekiah’s whole-hearted reforms were a blessing in Judah (2 Chronicles 29:1-2; 2 Chronicles 31:20-21).
Unfortunately, Hezekiah, too, did succumb to his own imperfection of pride. Although it is God who delivered the people from the hands of their enemies, Hezekiah became prideful in the sight of God. It was the favor of God which allowed Hezekiah to prosper and overcome ungodly enemies of God (Assyrian Empire of idol worship). Even after Hezekiah repented and God extended his life, Hezekiah, once again, became a prideful showoff (2 Kings 20:12-13).
Speak Lord
God cannot allow unrighteousness. He is the judge of all. He is always speaking; God is always working. Leadership is important. No matter the dominion, i.e., home, places of worship, workplaces or nations, rightful leadership is what please God.
From the very beginning, God’s decision to give man limited authority (dominion) was in the power of His leadership. Giving His creation (male and female) leadership in the earth realm was under God’s authority. Yet, God’s love is evidence of how He deals with disobedience. Clearly, Adam did misuse that power. Adam’s decision to be disobedient to God, was a choice. Because of Adam’s decision, sin was introduced into this world. Ever since, there is a battle between powers given to Satan and humankind.
It is a mistake for any person (including a ruler, king, or official) to think that God’s voice is silent. The purpose is clear: “Leading with compassion, love, humbleness, and faith toward God is how you are successful. Careless and unrepenting leadership is deadly. God speaks!