Finish strong!

From II Chronicles 13 - 16:

1. It is interesting to see how God helped Judah gain the victory over Israel in the battle mentioned in II Chronicles 13. Abijah trusted God and pointed out the error of the way that Israel had taken. He did not ignore the Israelites, but put God first. Even though Jeroboam used the time to set up a superior battle position, he still lost because of a lack of God's help. It illustrates that sometimes, when we are too busy worrying and planning to trust in God and call upon God to help, we still can lose the battle. Alternatively, if we just trust God and do what we can but always put Him first in what we are doing, he will provide us the victory.

2. Abijah, although he was more honorable than Jeroboam, still committed a sin similar to David and Solomon by taking on so many wives - exactly what the Lord told the Israelites not to let their kings do.

3. It is recorded here in II Chronicles 13 that God struck down Jeroboam. It is so sad to see that Jeroboam had the chance to pick up where David / Solomon left off, but instead had to build golden calves. He should have done what was pleasing to God.

4. Finish strong! - Asa started out right by destroying the idols that were leading people away from worshiping the one and only true God. Then, when he went into battle against the Cushites, he also did the right thing by calling upon the Lord at the start and seeking God's help. That is why he was successful in his conquest / campaign against them. Additionally, it also records that at another point he deposed his grandmother as queen mother because of an idol she had erected. However, he did not finish strong because he did not continue to call upon the Lord, instead relying on his own strength. Such a pity!