Asa Did . . . Right in the Eyes
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of living a life that is right in the eyes of the Lord, highlighting Asa's reforms and the need for divine reliance in affliction.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of living righteously in the eyes of the Lord, as exemplified by King Asa, who took bold actions to remove idolatry from his kingdom. Despite his commendable efforts, Asa's failure to remove the high places and his reliance on physicians rather than seeking God in his affliction highlight the need for complete devotion and accountability to God. Meyer urges believers to live authentically, ensuring that their actions reflect their faith and do not lead others astray. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to God, recognizing that true righteousness involves both personal integrity and consideration for the impact of our actions on others.
Text
Asa did . . . right in the eyes
of the Lord, as did David his father. 1 Kings xv. 11.
IT is a great thing to have such a testimony as this. We may do right in our own eyes; yet the eye of the Lord may detect evil which neither our associates nor we have seen. We may deceive ourselves, we may deceive others; but we cannot deceive God. In the home or business, in situation or factory, let us live as under the searching gaze of God.
Asa's life was one of religious activity: he destroyed the idols of his father, and even deposed his queen‑mother, "because she made an idol in a grove." It needs Divine courage so to live for God that at home or afield men shall take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. This is what the world is languishing for ‑‑ reality, consistency under all circumstances, and before all men.
There are, however, two clouds overhanging this otherwise bright life. "The high places were not removed " (14). Though idols were destroyed, the groves in which they were erected remained. They were no snare to him; and he took care that during his life they should not ensnare others; but after his death, in the reign of Jehoshaphat his son, "the people offered and burnt incense" in them (xxii. 43). We must not only cleanse our way before the Lord, but remove any evil thing which may cause others to stumble.
The other cloud is indicated in 2 Chron. xvi. 12: "He was diseased in his feet.. . . Yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians." Strange that in affliction he should not have turned to the Great Physician. The enemy of souls is ever on the watch. Pray that amid the pains of death you may not act unworthily.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of having a testimony before God
- Self-deception versus divine perception
- Living under the gaze of God
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II
- Asa's religious activity and reforms
- The courage to stand for God
- Impact on others through our actions
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III
- The high places left unremoved
- Consequences of not addressing potential snares
- Responsibility to prevent others from stumbling
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IV
- Asa's affliction and reliance on physicians
- The need for seeking God in times of trouble
- The enemy's tactics during our struggles
Key Quotes
“We may do right in our own eyes; yet the eye of the Lord may detect evil which neither our associates nor we have seen.” — F.B. Meyer
“It needs Divine courage so to live for God that at home or afield men shall take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.” — F.B. Meyer
“Pray that amid the pains of death you may not act unworthily.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Live with the awareness that God sees all our actions and intentions.
- Remove any influences in our lives that could lead others away from God.
- In times of trouble, prioritize seeking God's guidance over human solutions.