Righteousness is not hereditary. Though God commends the life and teachings of parents as the best way to guide their children for righteous living (Prov. 22:6), we cannot presume on the condition of a person based on that of their parent.  Accordingly, we cannot conclude from the wayward living of a person that their parents were negligent. The lives of Abijah and Asa exemplify a sharp contrast between a wicked father and an obedient son. That is where we start with King Asa.

Asa inherited the kingdom from an unrighteous father—Abijah, king of Judah (1 Kings 15:8). He, therefore, started with the handicap of a sinful and idolatrous nation that had drifted from God since the reign of King David. How does he turn things around by bringing the priorities of Judah to conform with the righteous decrees and true worship of the God of Israel?

He had to be radical and unrelenting in his approach, so he distanced himself from the ways of his father, who lacked devotion to the Lord (3). In reverence for God, who is holy, Asa embarked on a campaign to purge Judah of idolatry and symbols of false worship that had plagued the land since the time of King Solomon (2 Chronicles 14: 3-5). He deposed his grandmother Maakah from the position of queen mother and burned the repulsive image she had erected for Asherah worship (1 Kings 15:13). Finally, he commanded the people to seek God and obey His commands (2 Chron 14:4). As a result, God gave him peace (6).

Asa used the peace God gave Judah to rebuild the nation, fortify its defenses, and build a large and well-equipped army (6, 8). That was a busy and focused king.

I like how the king recognized the blessing of the Lord and used it to motivate his people:

“The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God; we sought him, and he has given us rest on every side.” So, they built and prospered (7).

What an example for us!

So long as we seek God and honor Him with our lives, He will give us peace to enjoy His blessings.

The sins of our fathers should not condemn us to a life of debauchery and corruption that results in death. We have a choice to break away from what Peter calls “the empty life you inherited from your ancestors (1 Peter 1:18),” and live a life of total devotion to God through Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord (Acts 2:38, Rom. 9:9-10, 13; Titus 2:11-14).

Let us, therefore, set our priorities right with God. We must first recognize the Holiness of God and move away from everything that defiles, throw out all those elements of false worship, and strengthen our relationship with the Lord through bible studies and prayers.