Revival Under King Asa

The prophet “Azariah the son of Oded” encouraged king Asa of Judah, after he was returning from a victorious battle (2 Chr 14:12). Azariah publicly addressed Asa to let him know that the Lord will continue to be with him if he would “seek Him” (v. 2), but he will be forsaken if he forsake Him! As bible-believing Christians, we must “seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually” (1 Chr 16:11). We seek Him daily by studying His word (2 Tim 2:15), and in our prayers (1 Thes 5:17). God rewards “them that diligently seek Him” (Heb 11:6). We must remain strong and stedfast in seeking the Lord (Eph 6:10).

After Asa heard the words of God’s prophet, he “put away the abominable idols out of all the land” (v. 8). When God transforms the lives of every believer (2 Cor 5:17), there will always be a deep conviction to renew our minds (Rom 12:2), and remove the idols of our hearts! Those idols may come in various forms and they can easily distract us from our relationship with our Lord Jesus (Ex 23:33). If we choose idols over our devotion to God, then we are distancing ourselves from His love, comfort, protection, and purpose for our lives (Eph 2:10).

This gap in our relationship can lead to confusion, fear, insecurity, and lack of direction (Ps 37:23), which often results in disappointments and heartaches! Because we may eventually end up like our idols; “so is every one that trusteth in them” (Ps 115:8). Asa encouraged the people to give their offering to the Lord (v. 11). If you are already giving faithfully to the Lord; your tithes, in missions, and other designated projects of your local church, then I encourage you to continue (Mal 3:10), and give more as the Lord provides (Php 4:19). When we seek the Lord, we shall find ourselves desiring to live with “a clean heart” (Ps 51:10), living “in the Spirit” (Gal 5:25), and having a closer walk with Him! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera