Choosing God: Lessons from Kings Asa and Uzziah
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into the lives of two kings of Judah, King Asa and King Uzziah, to explore the critical choices we must make in life. These choices revolve around whom to follow, whom to trust, and whom to obey. Let's start with King Asa, who began his reign at a young age and made a pivotal decision to follow God. Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, removing foreign idols and leading his people in the worship of Yahweh. Because of his decision to follow God, Asa experienced peace and prosperity. Even when faced with a formidable Ethiopian army, Asa cried out to God for help, and God granted him a miraculous victory, making Judah even wealthier and more secure.
However, as Asa grew older and more powerful, he began to rely on his own abilities and political alliances rather than trusting God. When Baasa, the king of Israel, attacked Judah, Asa sought help from the king of Syria instead of relying on God. This decision led to a reprimand from God through the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa that God looks for those whose hearts are loyal to Him. Asa's reaction was one of anger and defensiveness; he imprisoned the prophet and oppressed his people. Tragically, Asa's life ended in illness and stubbornness, as he refused to seek God's help even in his severe disease.
Now, let's turn our attention to King Uzziah, who also started his reign at a young age. Like Asa, Uzziah chose to follow God and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. Uzziah's military conquests and innovations made him famous and exceedingly strong. However, as he grew more powerful, pride crept into his heart. Uzziah began to think he was above God's rules and entered the temple to burn incense, a task reserved only for priests. Despite the priests' brave attempts to stop him, Uzziah persisted and was struck with leprosy by God. He spent the rest of his life in isolation, remembered only as a leper.
The stories of Asa and Uzziah teach us that obedience to God is rooted in humility. Pride leads to downfall, while humility and obedience lead to blessings and prosperity. We must choose whom to follow, whom to trust, and whom to obey. Following God, trusting Him fully, and obeying His commands are the keys to a life of true success and eternal blessings. The paradox of choice in life can be overwhelming, but when we simplify our decisions to these three questions, the right choices become clear.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Choice of Whom to Follow: King Asa started his reign by choosing to follow God, removing idols, and leading his people in worship. This decision brought peace and prosperity to Judah. Following God is a foundational choice that sets the stage for blessings and protection. When we choose to follow God, we align ourselves with His will and experience His favor. [05:53]
2. The Choice of Whom to Trust: Asa's downfall began when he trusted in political alliances rather than God. Trusting God requires a deeper commitment, especially in times of trouble. When we trust God fully, we tap into His omnipotent power, which far exceeds any human capability. Trusting in ourselves or others limits our potential, but trusting in God opens the door to divine intervention and success. [14:51]
3. The Danger of Pride: Both Asa and Uzziah fell into the trap of pride as they grew more powerful. Pride leads to a false sense of self-sufficiency and a departure from God's commands. Humility, on the other hand, keeps us grounded and obedient to God. We must guard our hearts against pride and continually seek God's guidance and correction. [18:04]
4. The Importance of Obedience: Uzziah's disobedience in entering the temple to burn incense led to his downfall. Obedience to God is not optional; it is a demonstration of our humility and reverence for Him. When we obey God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and wisdom. Disobedience, fueled by pride, leads to severe consequences, as seen in Uzziah's life. [24:57]
5. The Paradox of Choice: Life presents us with many choices, but the most important ones are whom to follow, trust, and obey. Simplifying these choices to follow God, trust Him, and obey His commands helps us navigate the complexities of life. When we make these choices, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings and guidance. [34:42]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:38] - The Paradox of Choice
3. [04:26] - Three Key Questions
4. [05:53] - The Choice of Whom to Follow
5. [07:12] - Asa's Early Reign and Success
6. [10:05] - Uzziah's Early Reign and Success
7. [13:14] - The Choice of Whom to Trust
8. [14:51] - Asa's Downfall
9. [18:04] - The Danger of Pride
10. [22:52] - The Choice of Whom to Obey
11. [24:57] - Uzziah's Disobedience
12. [29:34] - Consequences of Disobedience
13. [31:12] - Humility and Obedience
14. [32:43] - Final Reflections
15. [34:42] - Simplifying Life's Choices
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Chronicles 14:2-4 - "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands."
2. 2 Chronicles 26:3-5 - "Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."
3. 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - "At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, 'Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did King Asa take to show his commitment to following God in 2 Chronicles 14:2-4?
2. How did King Uzziah's early reign reflect his dedication to God according to 2 Chronicles 26:3-5?
3. What was the prophet Hanani's message to King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16:7-9, and what was the consequence of Asa's actions? [14:51]
4. How did King Asa react to the prophet Hanani's reprimand, and what does this reveal about his character? [18:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does King Asa's initial decision to follow God and remove idols tell us about the importance of leadership in spiritual matters? [05:53]
2. How does King Uzziah's story illustrate the relationship between seeking God and experiencing success? [10:05]
3. In what ways did pride lead to the downfall of both King Asa and King Uzziah, and what can we learn from their mistakes? [24:57]
4. How does the concept of trusting God versus trusting in human alliances play out in the story of King Asa, and what implications does this have for our own lives? [14:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose whom to follow. How did that decision impact your life, and what can you learn from King Asa's choice to follow God? [05:53]
2. Think about a situation where you relied on your own abilities or others instead of trusting God. What was the outcome, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future? [14:51]
3. Pride can subtly creep into our lives. Identify an area where pride might be affecting your relationship with God. What steps can you take to cultivate humility and obedience? [24:57]
4. King Asa's reaction to the prophet's reprimand was one of anger and defensiveness. How do you typically respond to constructive criticism, and what can you do to be more open to God's correction? [18:04]
5. King Uzziah's disobedience led to severe consequences. Are there any areas in your life where you are knowingly disobeying God? What changes can you make to align your actions with God's commands? [26:26]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of simplifying life's choices to follow, trust, and obey God. How can you apply this principle to a current decision you are facing? [34:42]
7. Reflect on the paradox of choice in your own life. How can focusing on following, trusting, and obeying God help you navigate the complexities and uncertainties you face? [03:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing Whom to Follow
King Asa's early reign was marked by his decision to follow God wholeheartedly. He removed foreign idols and led his people in the worship of Yahweh. This choice brought peace and prosperity to Judah, demonstrating that following God is foundational for experiencing His blessings and protection. When we choose to follow God, we align ourselves with His will and experience His favor. Asa's story reminds us that our initial commitment to follow God sets the stage for our spiritual journey and the blessings that come with it.
[05:53]
2 Chronicles 14:2-5 (ESV): "And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim and commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment. He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him."
Reflection: Think about the idols in your life that may be taking the place of God. What steps can you take today to remove these idols and commit to following God more closely?
Day 2: Trusting in God
Asa's downfall began when he trusted in political alliances rather than God. Trusting God requires a deeper commitment, especially in times of trouble. When we trust God fully, we tap into His omnipotent power, which far exceeds any human capability. Trusting in ourselves or others limits our potential, but trusting in God opens the door to divine intervention and success. Asa's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and the importance of relying on God in all circumstances.
[14:51]
2 Chronicles 16:7-9 (ESV): "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. Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. 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.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength or the help of others instead of trusting God? How can you begin to shift your trust to God today?
Day 3: Guarding Against Pride
Both Asa and Uzziah fell into the trap of pride as they grew more powerful. Pride leads to a false sense of self-sufficiency and a departure from God's commands. Humility, on the other hand, keeps us grounded and obedient to God. We must guard our hearts against pride and continually seek God's guidance and correction. The stories of these kings remind us that no matter how successful we become, we must remain humble and dependent on God.
[18:04]
Proverbs 16:18-19 (ESV): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent success or achievement in your life. How can you ensure that pride does not take root in your heart? What steps can you take to remain humble and dependent on God?
Day 4: The Importance of Obedience
Uzziah's disobedience in entering the temple to burn incense led to his downfall. Obedience to God is not optional; it is a demonstration of our humility and reverence for Him. When we obey God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and wisdom. Disobedience, fueled by pride, leads to severe consequences, as seen in Uzziah's life. This story underscores the importance of adhering to God's commands and recognizing the boundaries He has set for us.
[24:57]
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to obey God's commands? What practical steps can you take today to align your actions with God's will?
Day 5: Simplifying Life's Choices
Life presents us with many choices, but the most important ones are whom to follow, trust, and obey. Simplifying these choices to follow God, trust Him, and obey His commands helps us navigate the complexities of life. When we make these choices, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings and guidance. The stories of Asa and Uzziah remind us that our spiritual journey is shaped by these fundamental decisions.
[34:42]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
Reflection: Reflect on the choices you are facing today. How can you simplify your decision-making process by focusing on following, trusting, and obeying God? What specific steps can you take to ensure that your choices align with God's will?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Life presents us with a lot of choices, and sometimes the choices are so many that we aren't sure which choices are best for us. This is what is known as the paradox of choice. The paradox of choice stipulates that while we might believe that being presented with multiple options actually makes it easier to choose one that we are happy with, and thus increases satisfaction, instead having an abundance of options actually require more effort to make a decision. It can leave us feeling unsatisfied with our choice." [01:38]
2. "Imagine that you need milk, so you go to the grocery store to pick some up. When you get to the dairy aisle, you see that there are dozens of options. These days, not only do you have to make a decision on the percentage of fat you want in your milk, whether full, 1%, 2%, in milk, etc., but now you've got to make a decision on what source you want to make a decision on. What milk do you want your milk to be coming from? Cows, almonds, soybeans, oats, the list goes on. So almost dumbfounded, you stand in front of the milk aisle and have no idea what milk to pick. There are so many options that you're simply overwhelmed." [03:02]
3. "My friends, disobedience always starts with the little things, the small infractions, the little white lie. And then somehow we justify it in our minds. We justify the sin. We become callous to sin. Oh, it's okay. Others are doing it. And so we become more bold in what we do, in greater disobedience and the severity of it. But what if we were to think, what if our kids are always with us? How would we respond? How about this truth? To remember that God is always with us. He is watching." [29:34]
4. "The choice of whom to follow, God or the world. The choice of whom to trust, God or others. The choice of whom to obey, God or yourself. If the choice of God leads you to both present and eternal blessings, and the other choice leads to destruction and death, then choosing God should be a no-brainer. Which every wise person should make." [34:42]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Notice that King Asa started well. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He removed the foreign idols from the land and he led the people in the worship of the one true God, Yahweh. King Asa was about 20 years old when he became king. And as young as he was, he made a decision of whom to follow. He chose to follow the living God. And because of this decision, look how God blessed him." [05:53]
2. "Remember, the eyes of the Lord are roaming the entire world to look for people who are fully trusting of Him in order to strengthen them and make them great. The third question that helps solve the paradox of choice is this, number three, the choice of whom to obey. The choice of whom to obey. One can follow God. One can even say they trust God. But it all comes down to following through an action which takes the form of obedience." [22:52]
3. "As Uzziah went to the temple in disobedience, the priest Azariah and valiant and brave priests went in after him to try to stop him. They had to be valiant because they knew the consequences. Imagine standing up before the king. You could have lost your life, but they were willing to stand up for what is true. They were willing to stand up for what is right in defense of what God had so ordered. They don't care if he was king or not. In fact, they just simply called him Uzziah. They were going to defend the honor of the Lord with their lives." [24:57]
4. "The Bible tells us that King Asa trusted in his own abilities, began to trust in others more than he trusted God, and he was reprimanded by God. You know, perhaps as Asa got older and stronger as king, he thought, you know, I no longer need to trust God. I no longer need to trust God. Trust God. And that is the danger of when you gain more experience and you begin to begin to win in life. You begin to think you're so wise that you know it all. And so naturally, you trust God less." [14:51]
5. "The Bible says when he finds those who are fully trusting in him, then he will show himself strong, meaning he will enable and help those who trust in him. To succeed, it should be a very easy decision of whom to trust. If you trust God fully to help you in life, then you have the omnipotent, all-powerful strength of God to help you through. You know, but if you trust in yourself or even trust in others, the enabling power is limited." [16:28]
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