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A plain and
faithful reproof was given to Asa by a prophet of the Lord, for
making a league with Syria. God is displeased when he is
distrusted, and when an arm of flesh is relied on, more than on
His power and goodness.
It is foolish to lean on a broken reed, when we have the Rock of
ages to rely upon. To convince Asa of his folly, the prophet shows
that he, of all men, had no reason to distrust God, who had found
him such a powerful Helper.
The many experiences we have had of the goodness of God to us,
aggravate our distrust of him. But see how deceitful our hearts
are! we trust in God when we have nothing else to trust to, when
need drives us to him; but when we have other things to stay on,
we are apt to depend too much on them.
Observe Asa's displeasure at this reproof. What is man, when God
leaves him to himself! He that abused his power for persecuting
God's prophet, was left to himself, to abuse it further for
crushing his own subjects.
Two years before he died, Asa was diseased in his feet. Making use
of physicians was his duty; but trusting to them, and expecting
that from them which was to be had from God only, were his sin and
folly.
In all conflicts and sufferings we need especially to look to our
own hearts, that they may be perfect towards God, by faith,
patience, and obedience.
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