Overview Asa (late 9th century BC) lived almost 200 before Hezekiah (late 7th century BC). Both of them Reformed Israel. Both had Years of Faithfulness. Both relied on God at critical times.
But they differed… We find that Asa had a severe foot disease. We learn that Hezekiah was about to die. But how they responded to this situation differed greatly. •Hezekiah sought God first; Asa sought a physician and never sought God. •Hezekiah humbled himself on account of his medical need; Asa did no such thing. •Hezekiah was granted healing and relief; Asa died never seeking the Lord about his sickness. •Hezekiah listened to God's Word through Isaiah and was humbled; Asa was angry with Hanani. Hezekiah 1. He did not pursue a bucket list. 2. He did not wallow in self-pity and cut himself off from others. 3. He did not rage against God. 3. He did not seek a doctor FIRST. 4. He prayed and humbled himself (v. 2). 5. When granted reprieve, he recognized its goodness (v. 17). 6. He also recognized the God's forgiveness of his sins in this affliction (v. 17b, "for you have cast all my sins behind your back.").
Asa (2Chron. 16) What made them respond so differently when they became sick? We have some indicators from this chapter. We could mention the change in covenants (with God and now with Syria), change in his dealing with God's people "And Asa inflicted cruelties upon some of the people at the same time." (16:10), change is his offerings (what he offered to the Lord he now takes out of the house of God and offers to Ben-hadad). But I want to highlight TWO significant changes!
1. What he trusted in changed. 2. How he responded to God's word changed.
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Dr. Mark Herzer has been the pastor of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (P.C.A.) in Warminster, PA since 1997. Before this, he was ordained to labor as an Assistant Pastor of Korean United Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1992-1995). He received his M.A.R. and Ph. D....
