Faithful all his life: 1 Kings 15.9–24 (Day 285)

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Read

1 Kings 15 Colossians 2 Ezekiel 45 Psalms 99–101

Daily reflection: 1 Kings 15

Unlike his father Abijah and his grandfather Rehoboam, King Asa clamped down on idolatry and 'remained faithful to the Lord all his life' (verse 14). He was also generous to the Temple, making gifts of gold and silver to replace those lost by the hapless Rehoboam in an Egyptian attack (14.26).

However, his personal spiritual faithfulness didn't guarantee a reign free of political troubles. Asa faced a continuing war – or series of skirmishes – with the ruler of Israel, Baasha, who had wiped out the family of Israel's first independent king, Jeroboam. In a very dangerous development for Judah, Baasha started fortifying Ramah, just on the Judaean side of the border. Showing considerable diplomatic skill, Asa bribed Benhadad of Syria to switch sides and attack Israel, relieving the pressure on his own forces (verse 20).

It's how Asa did this that's interesting, however. Judah was no longer a rich nation. The only resources Asa had were the gifts he'd already given to the Temple. He has no hesitation in using them as currency with Benhadad (verse 18), and the writer of 1 Kings doesn't criticise him for doing so.

It's possible to be unhealthily attached to things like church buildings or traditions or things we've invested time and effort into for God. These things can be good and valuable, and service useful and God-honouring purposes. But if we can't give them away when we need to, they become obstacles or even idols. Asa knew when to keep, and when to let go.

Pray

God, keep me faithful to you even when times are dark and I feel I'm under threat. Help me to be willing to let go of things I value when you call me to meet a greater need.