Aging Well

S cripture

“In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, . . . Then Asa took silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the LORD and the king’s house and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Syria, who lived in Damascus, saying, “There is a covenant between me and you, . . .At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. . . For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in the stocks in prison. . . Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but sought help from physicians.” (2 Chron. 16:1-12)

O bservations (what do I see?)

• Asa had generally been a good king in Judah. He had been blessed by God to reign for 36 years!
• In the 36th year, he failed to trust God. He tried to work things out on his own even though he knew better.
• He did not respond well when a prophet confronted him with his sin. His heart had become hardened, and he persecuted the prophet rather than confess his sin to God.
• His heart had become so calloused that he refused to seek God’s help even when he was sick.

A pplication (what do I need to do?)

• Asa is an example of a veteran follower of God who did not finish well.
• I must be careful not to rely on my own wisdom or past successes. I must choose simple obedience to God each day.
• I need a soft heart toward God when confronted with sin. I need to humbly admit it and ask for forgiveness.
• I must not become complacent in life or in my relationship with God. I need to work hard to keep my friendship with God fresh and to continue finding my pleasure in Him! He is the only one who can truly satisfy me.

P rayer (talk to God about it)

Father, thank you for another warning of compromise and disobedience as we age. You have been so good to me; help me seek you first and not rely on myself. Help me to continue to see life as an exciting adventure of living with you. May the challenges of life not quench that spirit and perspective.