June 25

1 Kings 15:1-24; 2 Chronicles 13-16 (biblegateway.com)

Trusting in the Lord Through the Ups and Downs

These chapters offer a snapshot of the spiritual and political climate of Judah and Israel following the division of the kingdom. In 1 Kings 15:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 13-16, we meet kings like Abijah and Asa in Judah, as well as brief references to several kings of Israel. Abijah’s reign was short but marked by a surprising victory over Israel, made possible because he called upon the Lord (2 Chronicles 13). Asa, his son, began well, reforming Judah, removing idols, and relying on God in times of war. His prayer and dependence during the Cushite invasion (2 Chronicles 14) show what it means to trust God fully. However, Asa’s later years were marked by compromise, self-reliance, and anger when confronted by a prophet (2 Chronicles 16). These chapters remind us that starting well is important, but finishing well, in continued trust and obedience, is even more crucial.

1 Kings 15:1-24 – The Reigns of Abijam and Asa

Abijam (also called Abijah) took the throne over Judah after Rehoboam, ruling three years in Jerusalem (v. 1). He followed his father’s patterns, committing many of the same sins. Though he did not reach the spiritual low of Jeroboam, “his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, like the heart of his father David” (v. 3). This modest fidelity was insufficient—only wholehearted devotion honors God. His reign reveals the danger of half-hearted faith passed down through generations. Despite his unfaithfulness, God preserved his dynasty—not because of Abijam’s merit, but for David’s sake, “because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 5). However, there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam throughout Abijah’s lifetime (v. 6-7). The opening section ends with Abijah resting with his ancestors and being buried in the City of David.

Abijam died after three years and was succeeded by his son Asa. Asa began to reign in Judah during Jeroboam’s twentieth year and ruled for forty-one years—a remarkably long reign for a king in this period  (v.  9-10). Asa began his reign with a clear contrast: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David his father had done” (v. 11). He launched a bold reform, removing idols and tearing down pagan altars (v. 12). One of Asa’s most striking moves was his removal of his own grandmother, Maacah, from her position as queen mother because she had made an Asherah pole—a symbol of pagan worship (v 13). Asa’s willingness to confront sin even in his own family reveals a deep commitment. He not only destroyed the idol but burned it—a picture of thorough, uncompromising obedience.

Though high places were not entirely removed (v.14), Asa’s heart was “wholly true to the Lord all his days.” He also restored sacred things to the temple (v.15), demonstrating a concern for worship and reverence for God’s presence. His life teaches us that spiritual renewal often begins with decisive action and clear-cut choices.

However, as the summary continues, we begin to see shadows of compromise. Asa faced pressure from Baasha, king of Israel, and, instead of seeking the Lord, he entered into an alliance with Ben-Hadad of Syria (v.16-20). This alliance led to temporary relief, but, as seen in 2 Chronicles 16, it proved to be spiritually costly. Asa’s trust shifts from God to diplomacy, from prayer to political maneuvering.

His final years included war and personal suffering (v.23), and the record closes with his death and burial (v.24). Asa, like many believers, started well—with bold reform, deep devotion, and public obedience—but over time, his faith grew dull. Although his legacy was largely positive, his final years were marred by a diminished trust.

These verses teach us that a strong beginning in faith does not guarantee a strong finish. Asa’s life challenges us to not only pursue a season of spiritual vitality but to persevere in faith across decades. The same heart that removed idols in youth must also rely on God in pressure-filled later years. Abijam’s short, compromised reign illustrates the consequences of unfaithfulness, yet also demonstrates God’s covenant grace, as He preserved the kingdom for David’s sake.

Are you in a season of spiritual renewal like Asa’s early reign, or in a place where comfort and control have taken the place of trust and prayer? Is there an “idol of convenience” or a “Ben-Hadad strategy” you’re relying on instead of waiting on God?

Also, are there hard but necessary choices you’ve been avoiding, like Asa’s bold decision to confront sin in his own family? Faithfulness sometimes requires confrontation, courage, and letting go of traditions or relationships that hinder devotion to God.

Let this passage prompt you to finish strong, not just start well. Ask God to help you sustain a heart “wholly true” to Him across every season of life.

2 Chronicles 13 – Abijah’s Bold Stand for Covenant Faithfulness

While 1 Kings 15:1-8 gives a brief and politically focused summary of King Abijah’s reign in Judah, 2 Chronicles 13 offers a more detailed and theologically rich account. It highlights Abijah’s bold stand against Israel’s idolatry, his speech appealing to covenant faithfulness, and the Lord’s intervention in battle. This contrast reflects the distinct purposes of the two books—Kings providing a concise political record, and Chronicles emphasizing God’s role in Judah’s history to encourage covenant loyalty among later generations.

Abijah was the son of Rehoboam and became king over Judah after his father’s death. He reigned for three years in Jerusalem (v.1). Though his reign was brief, this chapter highlights one pivotal event that defines his leadership: a confrontation with Jeroboam, king of Israel. The two kingdoms—Judah in the south and Israel in the north—were at war, and this chapter recounts a profound theological clash, not just a political one.

Facing a much larger army (800,000 from Israel vs. 400,000 from Judah), Abijah took a bold stance rooted in covenant truth (v. 2-3). Standing atop Mount Zemaraim, he addressed Jeroboam and all Israel, appealing not just to military strength but to God’s covenant with David. He reminded them that the Lord had given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever, a divine promise that Jeroboam had violated by rebelling (v. 4-7).

Abijah pointed to the legitimacy of Judah’s rule and highlighted how Jeroboam had rejected God’s priests, replacing them with false worship and golden calves (v. 8-9). In contrast, Judah had remained faithful to the prescribed temple worship. The priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, were still offering proper sacrifices, burning incense, and sounding the trumpets in accordance with the Law (v. 10-11). This contrast was crucial: Abijah declared that God Himself was their leader, and their faithfulness to His covenant would determine the outcome (v. 12). This was not a claim of Judah’s moral superiority but an appeal to God’s enduring promise and Judah’s attempt, however imperfect, to uphold it.

Despite Abijah’s speech, Jeroboam launched a surprise ambush, surrounding Judah on both sides (v. 13). In this moment of peril, Judah cried out to the Lord, and the priests blew the trumpets (v. 14). What followed was not merely a military victory, it was a spiritual deliverance. As they relied on God and trusted in His presence, the Lord routed Jeroboam and his army before Abijah and Judah (v. 15). The result was devastating for Israel: 500,000 of their warriors fell (v. 17). This wasn’t just a military defeat, it was a divine rebuke for abandoning God’s covenant.

The conclusion is striking: Jeroboam never recovered during Abijah’s lifetime; the Lord struck him, and he died (v. 20). Meanwhile, Abijah grew in strength and built cities, enjoying a period of relative peace (v. 19, 21). Yet even with this victory, the Bible notes that Abijah’s own heart was not fully devoted to the Lord, as mentioned in parallel accounts (1 Kings 15:3). He upheld covenant faith publicly, but his personal life lacked full devotion.

This chapter reminds us that faithfulness to God’s covenant, even in the face of overwhelming odds, invites divine intervention. Abijah’s army was smaller, but they trusted in God’s order and presence. When outnumbered, they did not panic. They prayed and cried out to the Lord. God is not moved by numbers but by trust, obedience, and alignment with His truth.

We also see that religious forms matter when they point to the heart. Judah maintained the priesthood, the sacrifices, and the temple. These weren’t just rituals; they were expressions of loyalty to God’s commands. In contrast, Jeroboam’s substitutes, though pragmatic, were idolatrous. God desires faithful worship, not human inventions.

Finally, this chapter warns us that a bold public stance doesn’t guarantee a faithful private life. Abijah spoke rightly, acted courageously, and won a miraculous victory, but he didn’t leave behind a legacy of personal spiritual depth. It’s possible to say true things, even fight the right battles, and still not walk in full devotion.

Are you trusting in God’s promises even when outnumbered or under pressure? When surrounded by difficulty or temptation, do you cry out to the Lord and trust His leadership? Examine your heart: Are your religious actions truly rooted in relationship, or merely ritual? And most personally, does your public faith match your private life? Ask God today for a heart like David’s—fully devoted, trusting in covenant faithfulness, and humble in both victory and defeat.

2 Chronicles 14 – Asa’s Reform and Reliance on God

While 1 Kings 15 briefly mentions the reign of Asa (v. 9-24), it offers only a summary of his reforms and reign. In contrast, 2 Chronicles 14 provides a fuller, more spiritually focused portrait of Asa’s early years as king of Judah, highlighting his devotion to the Lord, his reforms, and his reliance on God in the face of overwhelming opposition.

King Asa, the son of Abijah, ascended the throne of Judah and led with a heart more fully devoted to the Lord. His reign began with ten years of peace, a direct blessing from God because Asa “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” (v. 2). From the beginning, Asa distinguished himself by his commitment to righteous reform: he removed foreign altars, high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles—symbols of idolatry that had infected the land (v. 3). Unlike his predecessors, Asa understood that true peace is rooted in spiritual purity, not just military strength.

He commanded Judah to seek the Lord and obey His laws, establishing a culture of corporate accountability to God (v. 4). Asa’s leadership wasn’t passive; he actively encouraged godliness and rebuilt fortified cities, demonstrating both trust in God and practical wisdom (v. 6). High places were local sites usually associated with pagan worship (v. 5). 1 Kings 15:14 and 2 Chronicles 14:5 appear different in their assessment of Asa’s reforms. 1 Kings 15:14 states that “the high places were not removed,” while 2 Chronicles 14:5 says that Asa “removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah.” A possible explanation is that Chronicles describes Asa’s early reforms, focusing on his efforts within the cities of Judah, while Kings reflects the overall or long-term reality that some high places remained or reappeared later. The two accounts are not necessarily contradictory but emphasize different perspectives or phases of Asa’s reign. Nevertheless, the land enjoyed rest not because Asa ignored threats, but because he relied on the Lord and ruled with spiritual integrity (v. 7). His rule reminds us that spiritual discipline leads to stability, both personally and nationally.

But peace would not last forever. The real test of Asa’s trust came when Zerah the Cushite marched against Judah with an army of a million men and 300 chariots (v.9), a staggering force far beyond Judah’s capacity. Asa, undeterred by the numbers, turned to prayer. His cry is one of the most profound declarations of dependence in Scripture: “Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty… Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on You…” (v.11). This prayer models humility, trust, and recognition of God’s sovereignty. Asa did not appeal to military strategy or national pride, but to God’s unmatched power to help the weak.

The Lord honored this prayer. He struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and they pursued their enemies all the way to Gerar (v.12). What followed was not just a victory, but a plundering of great spoil, including enemy cities that God struck with terror (v. 13-15). The result was rest once again—God-given peace after God-led victory.

Asa’s story shows the connection between reform and revival. His leadership teaches us that revival doesn’t begin with emotional hype but with removing idols and restoring right worship. By cleansing the land of false altars and restoring God’s ways, Asa created space for God’s presence to dwell.

It also teaches that times of peace are not times for passivity. Asa used the season of quiet to strengthen his cities, deepen spiritual discipline, and prepare for the coming conflict. Similarly, in our own lives, when God grants a reprieve or rest, it’s an opportunity to build spiritual fortitude through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, so that when trials arise, we are prepared.

Perhaps most powerfully, Asa models the kind of dependent prayer that moves the hand of God. His victory against Zerah was not due to strategy or numbers but because he trusted fully in God’s power to help the weak. It echoes Paul’s declaration in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My power is made perfect in weakness.” Victory belongs to those who rely on the Lord, not on themselves.

Are there areas in your life that need reform—idols that must be torn down, habits that keep you from fully following God? Are you seeking God actively in times of peace, preparing for the spiritual battles that may lie ahead? And when you’re faced with overwhelming odds, do you lean on your own strength or call on the Lord like Asa did? Make his prayer your own: “Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on You.” Let this chapter challenge you to reform your heart, rely on God daily, and rejoice in the peace He provides.

2 Chronicles 15 – Revival Through the Word and Covenant Renewal

After the great victory over the Cushites, Asa returned to Judah, but God didn’t let peace lead to complacency. The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded, who delivered a timely prophetic message to Asa (v.1). He urged the king: “The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you” (v. 2). This truth, both encouraging and cautionary, became the heart of Judah’s revival. It reflects a timeless principle: God draws near to those who draw near to Him (cf. James 4:8).

Azariah reminded Asa of darker times in Israel’s past, periods marked by chaos, war, and spiritual void, because the people had turned from God (v. 3-6). In that backdrop, the prophet calls Asa to courageous faithfulness: “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded” (v. 7). God wanted Asa to know that his obedience mattered and that reform would not be in vain.

Asa responded immediately and wholeheartedly. Strengthened by this word, he renewed his efforts to cleanse the land of idols, including areas newly conquered in the north (v. 8). He also repaired the altar of the Lord in front of the temple, signaling a return to rightful worship (v. 8). Asa then gathered all of Judah and Benjamin, along with defectors from Israel who had come to him because “they saw that the Lord his God was with him” (v. 9). This movement shows how genuine revival attracts others hungry for God’s presence.

At this great assembly in Jerusalem, they offered sacrifices to the Lord in thanksgiving and then renewed their covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul (v.10-12). The people took this vow seriously, so seriously that they declared judgment on anyone who would not seek God (v. 13). Though intense, this showed the depth of their commitment to rid the land of spiritual compromise. There was great joy in Jerusalem that day, “for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought Him with their whole desire, and He was found by them” (v. 15). This verse captures the beauty of spiritual renewal: God delights to be found by those who sincerely seek Him.

Asa’s commitment to reform even reached his own family. He removed his grandmother, Maacah, from her position as queen mother because she had made an idol to Asherah (v. 16). Tearing down her idol and deposing her from power shows that true devotion to God will not tolerate compromise, even with loved ones. Though some high places were not removed from Israel, Asa’s heart remained fully devoted all his life (v. 17). He also brought holy gifts, including silver, gold, and utensils, into the temple, reflecting a desire to honor God tangibly (v. 18).

This chapter ends with peace: “There was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign” (v. 19). God honored Judah’s return to Him by granting rest.

2 Chronicles 15 teaches us that revival begins with God’s word, is sustained through obedience, and culminates in covenant commitment. Azariah’s message came at a spiritually ripe moment. Asa had just experienced a miracle, but miracles alone do not bring lasting change. The Word of God must be heard, received, and obeyed. We also see that revival is not just an emotional experience. It’s sacrificial and radical. Tearing down idols, repairing the altar, removing corrupt leaders, and making serious covenant vows were all hard choices, but they reflected hearts deeply committed to the Lord. Moreover, revival is both corporate and personal. The whole nation responded, but Asa also made personal reforms, even when they cost him family ties. That’s a test of integrity. Do we obey when it’s uncomfortable, especially in our closest relationships?

What areas of your life are in need of spiritual renewal? Do you hear God’s Word and respond like Asa, with bold obedience and renewed covenant commitment? And perhaps most personally: Are you willing to remove idols, even if they are close to home? Like Asa, God may be calling you to deal with compromise that’s deeply embedded, such as family traditions, habitual sins, or cultural influences that oppose God’s rule in your heart.

Seek the Lord with your whole desire today. He promises to be found by those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Don’t delay spiritual renewal. Let God do a fresh work in your life now.

2 Chronicles 16 – Asa’s Decline and the Danger of Self-Reliance

After decades of peace, Asa’s final years reveal a shift in his heart. In the thirty-sixth year of his reign, conflict arose again, this time not from a distant enemy, but from within his own people. Baasha, king of Israel, came up against Judah and fortified Ramah to block access to Asa’s kingdom (v. 1). Faced with this threat, Asa made a fateful decision: instead of seeking the Lord as he had during the crisis with the Cushites (2 Chronicles 14:11), he relied on a political alliance. He took silver and gold from the temple and royal treasuries and sent it to Ben-Hadad of Aram (Syria), requesting assistance to break his treaty with Israel (v. 2-3).

Ben-Hadad agreed and attacked Israel, prompting Baasha to retreat (v. 4-5). On the surface, Asa’s plan seemed successful, as it achieved the immediate goal. He even capitalized on the retreat, taking the materials from Ramah to fortify his own cities (v. 6). But the Lord saw what the human eye could not: a king who no longer trusted Him. God sent the prophet Hanani to confront Asa’s compromise (v. 7). Hanani reminded him that God had given him victory over the vastly larger Cushite army, not because of political alliances, but because he had relied on the Lord. “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him,” Hanani declared. “You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war” (v. 9).

Asa’s response is heartbreaking. Instead of repenting, he became angry with the prophet and imprisoned him (v. 10). He also oppressed others, perhaps those who sided with the prophet or questioned his leadership. This marked a spiritual turning point: the once-bold reformer, who had trusted God, now silenced the truth and embraced control. His pride and refusal to heed correction led to consequences far more damaging than military threats.

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a severe disease in his feet (v. 12). Yet even then, the text notes, he did not seek the Lord but only the physicians. This is not a condemnation of medical care, but a rebuke of Asa’s persistent pattern of leaving God out. His body mirrored his soul: diseased and unhealed because of his refusal to return to the Lord. Asa died two years later, and although he was honored with a great burial (v. 13-14), the lasting lesson is bittersweet.

Asa’s story shows us that early faithfulness does not guarantee a faithful finish. He began with courage and conviction, leading Judah in revival and trusting God against overwhelming odds. But success can subtly breed self-reliance. Over time, Asa shifted from dependence on God to dependence on human strength, political savvy, and material resources.

The rebuke from Hanani reminds us of one of the most beautiful truths in Scripture: God actively seeks to strengthen those whose hearts are loyal to Him (v.9). What Asa forfeited was not just peace but the sustaining help of God that he had once known intimately.

Asa also teaches us the danger of spiritual pride and defensiveness. When confronted, he hardened his heart instead of repenting. This pattern is tragically common. How often do we resist correction, lash out, or blame others rather than humbling ourselves before God?

His disease illustrates that our physical and spiritual lives are often connected. While not all illness is due to sin, this passage shows how Asa’s refusal to seek God even in suffering revealed a heart that had drifted far from faith.

Where are you tempted to rely on your own strength, resources, or strategies instead of seeking the Lord? Have you started with faith but now coast on your past victories, forgetting your daily need for God? And when God brings correction, through His Word, other believers, or life circumstances, do you respond with humility or resistance? Asa’s story invites us to stay tender to the voice of God, no matter how long we’ve walked with Him.

Are you suffering in a way that causes you to seek solutions without prayer? Let Asa’s final years challenge you: don’t let a lifetime of spiritual progress be undermined by a prideful finish. Seek the Lord now. He longs to show Himself strong on your behalf.

Conclusion

The lives of Abijah and Asa teach us both the power of trusting in God and the dangers of drifting from Him. Abijah’s call to rely on God brought victory despite overwhelming odds, and Asa’s early reforms and dependence brought peace and blessing. But Asa’s later turn to political alliances and his refusal to accept correction brought consequences. Through both kings, we see that God honors faith and obedience, and He graciously calls His people back when they stray. These chapters challenge us to examine our own walk with the Lord: Are we still relying on Him, or have we begun to lean on our own strength? May we be faithful not just in the beginning, but all the way to the end—always trusting, always seeking, always obeying the One who holds every battle and every season in His hands.