“Trust God and Teach His Word”

Second Chronicles 16–17 places two very different spiritual pictures beside one another.Chapter 16 shows the later years of King Asa. Earlier, Asa had cried out to God when facing an army of one million men, and God gave him victory.But later, when King Baasha of Israel threatened Judah, Asa chose a different approach.Instead of seeking the Lord, he relied on a political alliance with Ben-Hadad king of Syria.The plan appeared to work—but God was displeased because Asa had stopped depending upon Him.When the prophet Hanani confronted Asa, the king did not humble himself. He became angry, imprisoned the prophet, and oppressed some of the people.Chapter 17 then introduces Asa’s son Jehoshaphat.Jehoshaphat strengthened Judah, sought God, removed idolatry, and did something especially important:He sent teachers throughout the nation with the Book of the Law of the Lord.These chapters teach us that past faith does not guarantee present faithfulness, human solutions must never replace dependence upon God, correction should be received humbly, and spiritual strength grows when God’s Word is taught throughout the community.REFERENCE TO THE PRIOR DAY’S READINGIn 2 Chronicles 14–15, Asa began his reign by doing what was good and right before God.He removed idols, commanded Judah to seek the Lord, and used ten years of peace to strengthen the nation.Then Zerah the Ethiopian came against Judah with an army of one million men.Asa cried out:God could help those with many or those with no power.Asa declared:“We rest on You.”God gave Judah a tremendous victory.Then the prophet Azariah encouraged Asa to remain strong and continue seeking God.Asa responded by removing more idols, repairing the altar, gathering the nation, and leading Judah into covenant renewal.The people sought God with their whole heart, and He gave them rest.Second Chronicles 16 now gives us a warning: a man who once depended completely upon God can later begin depending upon himself.Second Chronicles 17 shows how Jehoshaphat began strengthening Judah by seeking God and teaching His Word.Welcome to EveryDayWord — the daily podcast of Derrick J. Dawkins Evangelistic Association! Here we open the Bible from Genesis to Revelation — reading it, breaking it down, and praying it through — all in a powerful 60-minute journey through God’s Word.Because as Scripture declares:“All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16So grab your Bible, open your heart, and let’s get into the Word!