2 Chronicles 15 tells us more about King Asa’s reign, and how fully he followed the LORD. His favor with the LORD was such that many from some of the tribes of Israel, deserted Israel and became part of Judah. We’re told Asa even removed his mother from being the queen mother, because she didn’t worship the LORD, and because she made an Asherah pole. One small matter was not attended to by Asa–he didn’t remove the high places around Judah. We’re told his heart was wholly devoted to the LORD, but the high places were always a stumbling block to God’s people. The chapter ends by stating there was no war in Asa’s kingdom until the thirty-fifth year of his reign.
2 Chronicles 16 tells us in the thirty-sixth year of his reign King Baasha of Israel came against him. Instead of relying on the Lord, he relied on the King of Syria. A prophet came to him and asked him why he had relied on the Syrians, when God had dealt with far larger armies before. As a result Asa would have war for the remainder of his reign. He also became diseased in his feet, but once again he did not call out to the LORD for healing. We see that even a good king didn’t always finish well. Indeed, there’s a pattern of that, as King David didn’t finish well, nor did Solomon. Starting well is important, continuing well is, too. But finishing well is vital to the legacy we leave to those who come after us. They need to see we can walk with the LORD all our lives and not just for a season or two.
2 Chronicles 17 tells us of Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son. He was a good king, and reflected his “father” David. That is always a great compliment. The important detail we find is he removed the high places and all forms of idol worship from Judah. As a result, the LORD strengthened Judah and gave it favor with all the surrounding nations. The Philistines even brought tribute to Judah during Jehoshaphat’s reign.
2 Chronicles 18 recounts King Jehoshaphat’s alliance with King Ahab of Israel. This was not a wise decision, and yet the LORD protected Jehoshaphat when he and his troops went out with King Ahab against the Syrians. Before the battle, the Chronicler recounts the prophecy of Micaiah the son of Imlah, who predicted Ahab would die in battle. Even though it wasn’t much of a battle, a Syrian soldier shot an arrow “randomly” and it pierced Ahab between the joints in his armor. Thus, he died as the LORD said he would.
As we turn to Matthew 24, Jesus tells His disciples of what will come at the end of time. Jesus makes it clear the end times will be filled with false messiahs, natural and political disasters, and all manner of evil. Yet, much of life will be the same as it has always been. Several times as He does in Mark 13, Jesus tells the disciples to be ready, to be prepared for the return. He also tells them when he end comes, everyone will know it. The challenge is to be ready. We don’t know the day or hour of Jesus’ return. We know it is closer than it has ever been. That means we must live faithfully, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us each day, so when the day comes we will be ready!