In a nutshell, his story is short but oh so sweet. Well, those 2 chapters are sweet...it looks like things get a bit ugly in Ch. 17 but I will be reading that next week in my Bible reading plan.
The first description we find of Asa in Ch. 14 is one I want people to say of me...'he did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God'.....change the pronouns though.
Look at the verbs that follow. Seek, obey, removed, built, rely. Doing what is good and right in God's eyes looks the same today. Are we seeking Him....wholeheartedly? Moment by moment? With our thoughts...words...actions?Are we obeying all His commands...not just the ones that suit us? Are we removing the idols, obstacles, hinderances, habits that take our focus away from God? Are we building ourselves in knowledge and understanding of what God wants for us and how we are to live? And are we relying on Him as our sustainer, provider, protector?
The rewards for Asa and for us are great. Asa not only had military victorys...that's one we might not revel in....but also, he prospered.....was at peace.....and was given rest. Ahhhh delightful words......even better experiences.
Then God promises Asa 2 things at the beginning of Ch. 15....that He will be found by Asa if A seeks Him and if A forsakes God, God will forsake A. Seems logical to me...a fair trade even. And perhaps an easy choice to make. A choice we all get to make...both on a macro level....where does God fit in my life? And a micro level....each day we make the decision to seek and acknowledge God or to ignore His presence and directions.
Asa makes the wisest choice he could.....with the people, he makes a covenant with God....a binding promise...to seek God. Not half heartedly...or when the going is good....or when they remember too....but with all their heart and soul (v12).
And doing that is not a chore...it brings them such joy and they did it eagerly (v15). How much joy do you have in living for God....do you do it eagerly?...or is a slog? A chore? A requirement so I get the ultimate reward of an eternity in heaven?
I hope, that like Asa and the people he ruled, we too can live for our God with a great passion and willingness. That we would be faithful and ruthless in our obedience and devotion to Him and that we would know the great benefits of living that way.
Finally, like Asa, I want people to say of me....(her) heart was fully committed to the LORD, all her life (Ch. 15 v17).
Hey Kirsty, love your thoughts. Sandro and I have been reading through a book that covers some of the big stories in the Bible, and it is amazing to see how God's hand worked through those who were faithful, and even kept his plan going when the people were unfaithful. Especially in the old testament with the prophets and the kings. Wow!! And it makes me see just how much we haven't changed in our behaviours. Makes you realise how forgiving God is and how He just wants to stretch us so that we have to give Him the control of everything because He is working our lives into His perfect plan. And the things he asked some of His people to do for Him, WoW!! What faith they had. I'm so thankful He opens His arms to a person like me who finds it so hard to commit all to His control. But what a peace to know He loves to help us learn from our mistakes and the mistakes and victories of those in History. I don't think I will ever understand His ways, but I think thats the way He wants it!!! Complete faith!! xoxox Pam F.
ReplyDeleteTerrific thoughts Pam. God is obviously at work in you...good on you for letting Him be. Blessings to you during this season of stretching and faith-building and handing over control. xo K
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