King Asa was a descendent of David, and the third king of the southern kingdom of Judah. “He loved the Lord and did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 14:2). It is worth mentioning that Asa’s father, Abijah, as well as his grandfather, Rehoboam, both did evil in God’s sight. Idol worship had been brought into the land of Judah, as well as prostitution. The idol goddess, Asherah, (from Canaan, originally) was honored by a sacred pole at specific religious locations. This idolatry had spread throughout Judah, robbing God of His glory and drawing the people further away into pagan beliefs. For this reason, God brought judgment on the land, but He sent a prophet to Asa, with an important message that is relevant to us all, even today…
“The prophet, Azariah, came to Asa, and said, ‘Listen to me. The Lord is with you if you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without a priest to teach, and without the law, but the people cried out to the Lord and found Him. In those (wicked) days, it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the land were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another, and one city by another, because God (was allowing) every kind of distress. But as for you, Asa, DO NOT GIVE UP, for your work will be rewarded.’ When Asa heard these words, he took courage, he removed idols from all the land, and repaired the altar (restored worship). Many others came to gather (were drawn) to Judah as they saw the blessing of the Lord was with him.” (2 Chronicles 15)
Friends, the story of Asa is written for our day and age, also. We’re surrounded by sin that has been allowed into our country (and laws) by evil leaders. They have drawn the people into deeper lifestyles of sin by their defective leadership, and judgment is upon our land. Our streets aren’t safe either - sin does that. But dear ones, we MUST NOT GIVE UP either, as God promises a reward for those that put Him first.
We must do as Asa did and remove the sin that poisons our land. It’s not easy, it’s taken deep roots. But pray about it, speak out against it, be as bold for Truth as they are for evil. But we must not do nothing. Oh, how we need to pray for a spirit of conviction and repentance to fall on this country! And how we need to restore the rightful worship that is due to our Lord! These acts of obedience will draw others to the Light, just as they were drawn to Asa. Take Courage, dear ones, and take a stand for God.
Comments