(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 15:1-24)

In today’s Scripture, we see the contrast between Abijam, king of Judah, and his son Asa. Abijam walked in all the sins of his father that he had committed before him, and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, like his forefather David.

Asa, in contrast, did what was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his forefather. Interestingly, their devotion to the Lord is reflected in their reigns. Abijam reigned for only three years in Jerusalem, while Asa reigned for forty-one years.

In addition to these two kings, Abijam’s mother and Asa’s grandmother, Maacah daughter of Abishalom, is also mentioned in the text. Although many translations refer to Maacah as Asa’s mother, this is more a grammatical issue in Hebrew than a mistake or error in the text.

Maacah was Abijam’s mother and the grandmother of Asa. She is also referred to as the queen mother in today’s Scripture. The queen mother was an official royal position in Judah. The title Gebirah (Hebrew) literally translates to “Great Lady” or “Mistress,” signifying supreme royal authority.

The queen mother, or Gebirah, held a higher political status and influence than the king’s wives. Yet despite her position and authority, Asa didn’t sit idly by when her influence led the nation away from the Lord. As Scripture says,

12 He also put away the male cult prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols which his fathers had made. 13 He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother, because she had made a horrid image as an Asherah; and Asa cut down her horrid image and burned it at the brook Kidron.

Removing Maacah from her position as Gebirah was a significant move. It was not merely a political reform but a demonstration of Asa’s wholehearted devotion to the Lord. By removing her from power, Asa freed himself and the nation from her influence and authority, choosing loyalty to God over family ties, political convenience, and long established tradition.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that walking with a heart wholly devoted to the Lord will sometimes bring us into conflict with the traditions, cultures, politics, and religions of the world. Following God wholeheartedly may create tension within families, institutions, and social structures.

Sometimes it requires us to make difficult decisions in order to break free from long held expectations, traditions, or influences that compete for our allegiance to Christ. The question is not whether those things are culturally accepted, politically powerful, or deeply rooted in family history. The question is whether they align with the will of God.

Our highest loyalty belongs to the Lord. It is the Lord whom we follow, worship, and devote our hearts to above all else.

This is why Jesus said that to follow Him is to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. Wholehearted devotion to Christ is not always easy. At times, it may cost us comfort, approval, influence, or even relationships. Yet He alone is worthy of our complete trust, obedience, and devotion.

May the Lord give us the conviction to follow Him wholeheartedly, the courage to obey Him when obedience is costly, and the grace and love to navigate the tensions that such faithfulness may create in our lives, families, and communities. Amen.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 15