Praying For Our Pastor
“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.
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.” II Chronicles 16:7-9
Although Asa was one of the godliest kings, the above passage tells of a time in his latter years where he failed to rely on the Lord for victory. Because of this, the prophet Hanani not only confronts the king concerning his foolish behavior but informs him of the continual battles he will face. Below, we read King Asa’s response to the man of God.
“Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.” II Chronicles 16:9
Instead of receiving the reproof with a humble and repentant heart, King Asa became angry at being confronted with his sin. A portion of Matthew Henry’s comments on this passage are as follows:
“Asa’s displeasure at this reproof. Though it came from God by one that was known to be his messenger, though the reproof was just and the reasoning fair, and all intended for his good, yet he was wroth with the seer for telling him of his folly; nay, he was in a rage with him, 2Ch 16:10. Is this Asa? Is this he whose heart was perfect with the Lord all his days? Well, let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. A wise man, and yet in a rage! An Israelite, and yet in a rage with a prophet! A good man, and yet impatient of reproof, and that cannot bear to be told of his faults! Lord, what is man, when God leaves him to himself? Those that idolize their own conduct cannot bear contradiction; and those that indulge a peevish passionate temper may be transported by it into impieties as well as into indecencies, and will, some time or other, fly in the face of God himself. See what gall and wormwood this root of bitterness bore. 1. In his rage he committed the prophet to the jail, put him in a prison-house, as a malefactor, in the stocks (so some read it,) or into little-ease. God’s prophets meet with many that cannot bear reproof, but take it much amiss, yet they must do their duty.” ~ Matthew Henry
As I read this passage this morning, I was reminded of two things. First, how each of us must carefully guard against thinking we could never fall. To read in the previous verses of Asa’s good and godly reign…and then to come to this passage is quite disappointing, but humbling as well.
Secondly, I was reminded of how important it is to pray for our pastors. King Asa’s reaction to the prophet Hanani’s reproof is just an example of what many pastors who are committed to preaching the truth must face regularly – from those outside the church as well as their own church members. Instead of being thankful for a man of God who loves them enough to tell them the truth, many people react just as King Asa reacted – in anger. How very sad that is!
This morning, if you have a pastor who boldly proclaims the truth, thank God! And then, commit to praying for him regularly – for continued courage, strength, wisdom, boldness, and protection. I know he would be grateful, and you and your family will be blessed as well!
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:” II Thessalonians 3:1