Asa Keeping the Road Open

Synopsis     1Kings 15:7-18     5/20/2019 

Asa became king over Judah after his father, King Abijam, died. Remarkably, King Asa ruled from Jerusalem for forty-one years. 

During his reign, he was favorably compared to his ancestor King David. In fact, the people praised him for doing what was right in God’s sight.  

Conversely, in the northern kingdom the people made Baasha their new king. He did not follow God.

And so, Asa and Baasha engaged in a low intensity conflict all of time they both reigned. At one point, Baasha was working to fortify Ramah. This city was located in the northern kingdom. And it was situated by the main north-south route. As a result, controlling Ramah was necessary to controlling traffic between the northern kingdom and Jerusalem. 

Of course, Baasha wanted to control the route to discourage pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In effect, he wanted to prevent faithful Israelites from going to the temple. And, he specifically did not want Jerusalem to receive the tithe of his people. 

Accordingly, Asa committed to keep the roads opened. 

Asa Keeping Open the Road 

Asa’s heart was for God’s people. Even though the Israelite kingdom had been ripped into two parts, the only authentic worship of God took place in Jerusalem. And Jerusalem was in the south. 

So, Asa focused his attention. He believed that the northern people who had remained faithful to God should worship in Jerusalem. And, he intended to keep open the road. 

Jesus is the Way 

God committed to be available to you. And though this world sometimes seems intent on keeping you away, the apostle reminds us that nothing can separate you from God.  

In the ministry of Jesus, God made the way.  

The road remains open. 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” John 14:6