God wants what is best for us. Jesus called it an “abundant” or “full” life (John 10:10). When the LORD spoke with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel), they were promised a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). Adam and Eve, the first people, were placed in the Garden of Eden with everything provided - including a sense of purpose (Genesis 2:4-25). These provisions and promises, however, come with a choice. God gives these things to us and then warns us that we can lose them. We need to decide whether or not we will walk together with God (Genesis 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 6:3; Luke 6:23, 14:27).
This message from the LORD was delivered to King Baasha by the prophet Jehu son of Hanani: "I lifted you out of the dust to make you ruler of My people Israel, but you have followed the evil example of Jeroboam. You have provoked My anger by causing My people Israel to sin. So now I will destroy you…” (1 Kings 16:1-3 NLT)
Whether he didn’t see it or simply didn’t care is not the point. Baasha did not receive these blessings from God as gifts. He did not accept and enjoy the role of king. He turned away from God and worshiped false gods. The result was that he “hit” himself. The result was that he hurt himself.
The rest of the events in Baasha's reign and the extent of his power are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel. When Baasha died, he was buried in Tirzah. Then his son Elah became the next king. (1 Kings 16:5-6 NLT)
How about you? Do you see the “best” that God has in store for you? Do you want the “abundant” and “full” life that Jesus offers to us? Do you walk together with God or do you “hit” yourself? Do you hurt yourself?
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