2 Chronicles 16:12 - Godless Podiatry

Who's your primary care physician?

Several weeks ago--or was it months? I lose track!--when COVID-19 first started rearing it's ugly head in the US, my friend Ron reminded me of how King Asa was a timely story for the pandemic.

Asa was one of the good kings of ancient Judah. He ruled well, and righteously. The Bible says that "the heart of Asa was wholly devoted to the Lord all his days." (1 Kings 15:14 New American Standard, 1995) 

Things started to unravel during an ongoing civil war with Israel. Asa took  silver and gold from the temple to buy a treaty--and mercenary armies--from a pagan nation. When a prophet called him out on it, he imprisoned the prophet. (2 Chronicles 16)

During the last two years of his reign, "Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians." (2 Chronicles 16:12, NASB95). We aren't told if he died from this disease. We aren't told if this foot disease was a direct punishment for his unfaithfulness. It seems clear, though, that God was trying to get his attention.

Consider two things:
1. One can live a life committed God, but abandon that commitment in later years.
2. When there's a health problem, it's tempting to look for medical intervention without any thought of God.

Seeing a healthcare specialist is not the issue. I have a podiatrist; I know good and godly doctors. The difficulty is in looking to everyone else BUT God for help and healing. That's true not only for health issues, but any challenge in life. Who do I talk to, first? Family? Friends? Google?

Father in heaven, We need you. We need You for life, and breath and health. We need You in our youth. We need you at the end of life. Keep our faith strong to trust You first and foremost, even while you bless us with people to help us in our journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I need Thee ev'ry hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Ev'ry hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee!

Annie S. Hawks