by Karen Wood
Today’s reading choronicles 45 years of terrible northern kings. While the southern kingdom enjoys relative stability under the godly reign of Asa, the north endures five losers. These kings dump a mess of turmoil, coups, drunkenness, suicide and destruction, a heap topped by the arrival of Ahab, the most notoriously bad king of all.
The first of these kings, Baasha, catches my thoughts today. Baasha was an instrument of judgment in God’s hands against Jeroboam to accomplish what God had warned. He completely eradicated Jeroboam’s line, beginning with Jeroboam’s son Nadab and going on to wipe out every other member of the family. Having laid waste to the wicked former first family, does Baasha now lead the people in wisdom and righteousness? No. He imitates the idolatrous policies of his predecessors. He does evil in the sight of the Lord all throughout his 24 year reign.
Ever patient, God confronts Baasha with his sin and seeks to pull him back to his roots: “I lifted you up from the dust,” he challenges Baasha. This king had no claim whatsoever to the throne. Not only was he not an heir of Jeroboam’s, he wasn’t even in the same tribe. But God raised him up from nothing and gave him a chance to serve in leadership. Even here at the 11th hour, I am convinced that if Baasha had truly repented, God would have shown him mercy.
The Bible is clear that with God as the High King, any and all leadership is done in service to him. He picks up and brings low. He gives opportunities and arranges circumstances. In his good will and everlasting purposes he offers us a choice to join in his joyous plan. When I sign on, my response must be to humbly seek how I can discharge the work entrusted to me.
Yesterday an unexpected and substantial opportunity for service presented itself. It was beyond anything I was expecting. And so today I am very challenged by God’s words to Baasha. Be sure, no one asked me to be king! God, thank goodness, did not set me over a country and give me the reins. But as I take on a new task, what will be my response? Will I remember that I came from dust and am going to dust? Will I persevere in acknowledging the One who is in charge? Will I try to be something I am not? Will it all end with “Well done!” or instead with, “No, no, no! That’s not at all what I had in mind!” Will I use my tenure to promote myself, my preferences, my own goals and agenda?
How I pray not! God, let me be in tune with what you want. I am nothing without you but dust. Be my vision, High King of Heaven. Amen.
Your fellow traveler,
Karen