MAD AT THE DOG AND KICK THE CAT?

MAD AT THE DOG AND KICK THE CAT?

God can do amazing things and seeing that coupled with the trust of
others is a beautiful picture. However, often the most consistent thing
about humanity is our inconsistency. Then to top it off, anger sets in and
that anger does not rest where it ought! Let us consider an example during
the time of the divided kingdom.

Asa was a pretty good king who reigned over Judah. During his reign
he -- with his army of 300,000 from Judah and 280,000 from Benjamin -- was
faced with an Ethiopian army of a million men and 300 chariots. (2
Chronicles 14:8-9) With such odds against him, Asa turned to the Lord and
the Lord brought a defeat against the enemy that left none remaining. (2
Chronicles 14:11-13) This was followed by religious reforms in Jerusalem. (2
Chronicles 15) However, during the last years of Asa's reign he negotiated
with the king of Syria in order that the kingdom of Israel would withdraw
from him. (2 Chronicles 16:1-6) God then sent word to Asa by way of Hanani
the seer to rebuke him for having relied upon the army of the king of Syria
rather than on God as he had done when faced with the huge armies of the
Ethiopians and the Libyans. (2 Chronicles 16:7-8)

In that rebuke God's message stated. . .
"(9) 'For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole
earth, TO GIVE STRONG SUPPORT TO THOSE WHOSE HEART IS BLAMELESS TOWARD HIM.
YOU HAVE DONE FOOLISHLY IN THIS, for from now on you will have wars.'" (2
Chronicles 16:9 ESV)

Earlier Asa had been one of those found by God seeking Him with a
blameless heart, received "strong support", and gained a great victory. What
happened to that reliance on God? Why would he later turn to another kingdom
for help?

So, what was Asa's response? Who had committed the blunder? Who had
directed the reliance the wrong direction? Who should have remembered the
source of deliverance in the past? With whom should Asa have been upset? Is
not "Asa" the correct answer to those questions?

However, as we read on we find . . .
"(10) Then ASA WAS ANGRY WITH THE SEER and put him in the stocks in
prison, for he was in a rage with him because of this. AND ASA INFLICTED
CRUELTIES UPON SOME OF THE PEOPLE AT THE SAME TIME." (2 Chronicles 16:10
ESV)

Asa didn't like the message so he got angry with the messenger! He also
appears to have taken his anger out on others as well through the manner in
which he treated them. Unfortunately, in all the centuries that have passed
since the days of Asa, that tendency among humanity has not changed. Someone
is mad at the dog and they kick the cat. They are angry because of wrong
they have done, vent that anger on whoever unfortunately comes their way,
and the acceptance of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY goes by the wayside.

James exhorted. . .
"(19) Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be QUICK TO
HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO ANGER; (20) for THE ANGER OF MAN DOES NOT
PRODUCE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD." (James 1:19-20 ESV)

Through the acceptance of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for our actions we
have the opportunity to grow. Let us not be guilty of mistreating others
because we are upset with ourselves. May we instead be thankful for the
clarity that has come to us regarding the things that still need to change
in our lives so that we can be of those for whom God seeks "WHOSE HEART IS
BLAMELESS TOWARD HIM." Instead of foolish actions like Asa, such will mark a
life guided by godly wisdom.

Have a great day FOCUSED TOWARD PRODUCING THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD!
Carl

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("teEn-MAIL" is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of
Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port
Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.
www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)