Read: 1
Kings 15
1 Kings 15 takes us on a tour of four kings’
reigns. We begin with Abijam, king of Judah. When Rehoboam died, he passed the
throne to his son Abijam. Abijam is an evil king. He “[walks] in all the sins
of his father” (v 3). God is only allowing such an evil man to remain in power
out of faithfulness to David (v 4-5). Abijam is David’s great-grandson, thus
fulfilling God’s promise to keep David’s line on the throne in Judah.
Next we are told of Asa, king of Judah. Asa
received the throne from Abijam, his father – and his brother. Abijam’s mother
is cited as Maacah, daughter of Abishalom (v 2). Asa’s mother is also cited as
Maacah, daughter of Abishalom (v 10). We can infer from verses 2, 8, and 10
that one of Abijam’s terrible sins was committing incest with his mother.
Despite the unfortunate, sinful circumstances of his birth, Asa becomes a
righteous king. He rids the land of idols and religious prostitution and
re-instates the dedicated things to the Lord (v 15). He did not let personal
ties get in his way. Asa even removed his mother from her position of power due
to her sins (v 13). Asa also collaborated with the Syrians to stop the constant
war with the Northern Kingdom (v 18-20). However, Asa was not perfect. For all
of her zeal, he left the high places standing (v 14). Asa ruled over Judah for
forty-one years and was succeeded by his son, Jehoshaphat (v 24).
In the second year of Asa’s reign, Nadab, son of
Jeroboam, becomes king over Israel. He reigns for two years. He was an evil
ruler who led his country into sin (v 26).
Baasha, son of Ahijah of Issachar, then kills Nadab
and takes over Israel’s throne (v 27-28). Baasha doesn’t stop with just killing
Nadab. He also eliminates the entire house of Jeroboam (v 29-30). This
fulfilled the prophecy of Ahijah (1 Kings 14:14). Baasha, like his predecessor,
“did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of Jeroboam,
continuing the sins that Jeroboam caused Israel to commit” (v 34).
Prayer and
Journaling
1. God can redeem anything. Judging from Asa’s
family situation, we would assume he would become a sinful ruler. On the
contrary, Asa is remembered as a godly king. Is there anything in your life
that makes you feel inferior or disqualified? Ask God to show you how He wants
to redeem you in this area.
2. Each of Israel and Judah’s kings left a legacy.
A few were known as godly: men of reform and followers of Yahweh. Most were known as sinful men who led their
subjects away from Yahweh. What do you want your legacy to be? Take a few
minutes and journal your answer. Bring this to God. Ask Him to show you the
legacy you are actually leaving? What are His
dreams for your legacy?
3. Pray for our church today. We want to leave a
lasting legacy for God’s kingdom. Pray that God would continue to empower us to
follow Him wholeheartedly. Pray that we would resist the schemes of the enemy
and follow in God’s plans for us. Pray that many people would receive healing,
experience genuine fellowship and receive salvation through our church family.
