Second Chronicles 14-16 records the reign of King Asa of Judah (910-869 B.C.). The Bible records he was loyal to God for a while (2 Chronicles 15:17), but late in his reign he acted foolishly by turning to and trusting in a military alliance with Syria instead o f relying on the Lord for victory over enemies (16:1-10). Thus the sad statement about him in 2 Chronicles 16:12 , "In the thirtyninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe: yet in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians." That verse reveals that Asa suffered not one but two notable failures: first in his feet, then in his faith.

When his feet failed, he leaned on human wisdom and effort to deal with the problem. It was in his old age that Asa suffered a crippling and debilitating foot disease (1 Kings 15:23). How sad to imagine this once energetic and mighty king who walked with God now hobbling along on crutches. Sadder yet to realize that not only were his feet ailing, but his faith also faltered as "in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians." That's another way of saying he was walking by sight and not by faith.

Asa provides an important lesson for us as Christians. When Christ commissioned the disciples, He instructed them to go and preach the gospel and carry it to all the world (Mark 16:15-16). Our feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). So vital are healthy feet to the work of the church and the salvation of lost souls that God refers to those who bring the good news of salvation in Christ as having "beautiful feet" (Romans 10:15)! So simply put, Christians cannot afford to be diseased in their feet. We must do what we can to get the gospel to people around the world, beginning with those across town or across the street or maybe even across the kitchen table!

There are souls waiting for the church to get on its feet and bring the message of salvation. Some of them are waiting on you. Therefore, let us do as Jesus taught by life and lip - let us love the lost and pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:38). Christians who follow in the footsteps of Him who came to seek and save the lost will never suffer from diseased feet or a diseased faith!

Eric