Read; 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chron. 17
Asa, who was a good king reigned in Jerusalem 40 years. His son, Jehoshaphat reigned after him. Jehoshaphat walked with God like David had. He fortified his cities and sent teachers and priests to all the cities to teach them the law. The fear of God fell on the land and on their enemies so that they were protected. His kingdom was blessed with abundance and favor.
In the meantime Israel was not experiencing the same blessings.
After Jeroboam came Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab. These all reigned during the time Asa was king of Judah. One of them only reigned 7 days! So, we know that Israel was not having the peace and rest that Judah was experiencing and each king led them farther and farther from the true God and into idolatry until Ahab married Jezabel who brought Baal worship to the kingdom. Ahab was provoking God’s wrath while Jehoshaphat was invoking his favor.
It is so true that a nation is blessed when they follow God and make him their Lord. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.”
Father, may our nation once again turn their hearts to you and make you their Lord.
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