The Simple Offer of God
During Asa's reign, the prophet Azariah shows up on the scene with a simple offer from the Lord:
2 Chronicles 15:1–2 (ESV) The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded, 2 and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
I think about this simple offer. If you want God, be with God. That's all it takes. Use time in your day to ask Him to accompany you through the day. Do not walk away from Him, walk with Him. What a glorious opportunity.
But what was the reason for this word from the prophet for Asa? We have already read of his reforms of the country. We have read of his righteous desire to purge the land of idolatry. Remember from the last chapter:
2 Chronicles 14:5 (ESV) He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him.
So what was the reason for this prophetic encouragement for Asa? Let's take a look at the end of the chapter to help us understand:
2 Chronicles 15:16 (ESV) Even Maacah, his mother, King Asa removed from being queen mother because she had made a detestable image for Asherah. Asa cut down her image, crushed it, and burned it at the brook Kidron.
It is one thing to stand for what you believe to those under your charge. It is entirely another to stand up to those who are related to you, and especially those in authority over you. Perhaps Asa was wavering. Should he continue reforming the nation from spiritual adultery or should he perhaps give some allowances to his mother? After all, she was the one who gave him birth and raised him. You might be able to relate to Asa's position. The prophet's words inspired Asa to stick with God and I hope they inspire you as well.
Everyone has a sacred relationship that could lead them away from God. For Asa it was his mother, for you it might be someone totally different. But they will be there. And you will have to stand up to them for what you believe at some point.
The offer of God still stands. If you seek Him, He will be found by you and will reward you. What is Asa's response to this offer? Courage.
2 Chronicles 15:8 (ESV) As soon as Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah the son of Oded, he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities that he had taken in the hill country of Ephraim, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that was in front of the vestibule of the house of the LORD.
Where does courage come from in the life of a believer? It comes from God's Word. It comes knowing that He is going to stand with you when you stand for Him.
What is more for Asa. As the Lord was with him the testimony spread. The nation begins to coalesce around him:
2 Chronicles 15:9 (ESV) And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who were residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.
The picture is clear. Those who take the Lord up on His offer of presence and provision will not be disappointed and will rather be favorably blessed in the eyes of all. He will give you a new family that will be far better than any group the devil and world can offer you. And most important, He will bring you rest.
2 Chronicles 15:15 (ESV) And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around.
I wrote a great book to help you MOVE forward in faith. Pre-order today!
Comments
Post a Comment