The Bible Edge
Random Thoughts of a Spiritual Nature II
II Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
His eyes are still running today. His eye is on the sparrow, the death of His saints is precious in His sight, He beholds the good and the evil, on and on we could go. Make no doubt, the eyes of the LORD are in every place. Peter knew this truth, for he wrote: For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1 Peter 3:12
Today’s verse was spoken by Hanani to Asa, King of Judah. In this one verse we see two diametrically opposed ends of one great pendulum. On one end there are blessings associated with those whose hearts are perfect toward the Lord. What is their blessing? He, the Lord, will show Himself strong on their behalf. At the other end of the spectrum there are wars (struggles, strife, confusion, even death). Wars that come to those who do not have a perfect heart toward the Lord, therein they do foolish things. King Asa did something that was not perfect toward God. What was this horrible sin that caused such a stern result?
Well, when faced with an enemy attack, instead of trusting the Lord, seeking His advice, and waiting for His deliverance, King Asa attempted to purchase protection from Ben-Hadad the King of Syria. Asa believed in worldly methods to obtain safety instead of believing in God’s divine protection. When one trusts more in things, methods, and people of the world they give proof evident that their hearts are not perfect toward God. No doubt, there are multitudes of devices, procedures, technics, and methods to stay safe today. Things like seatbelts in automobiles, locks on doors, internet security apps, etc. But frankly these all can fail, for they are only tools. It is God from whom our true security springs. He sees it all, knows it all, and can protect through it all. Stay safe, use all the devices you can for safety’s sake, but ultimately trust in God.
For, sometimes in those impossible issues of life in which we find ourselves, He wants to be strong on our behalf. Look to Him first and foremost and thank Him for the safety He provides. I remember once on an interstate crossroad; it seemed that God Almighty’s hand of protection and that alone kept me safe from an oncoming truck…there is no way that truck did not wipe me out. In my mind only God’s strong arm of protection spared me from a horrible accident. No one will ever be able to convince me otherwise.
If true wisdom is learning from other’s mistakes, learn from Asa. Get, and keep, a perfect heart toward God by believing in Him as your strong arm of protection.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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