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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You told Asa, “The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chr 15:2 NIV). I praise you today as the God who is with me! How encouraging to know that you are always there, guiding and protecting me. As Paul said, “If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the reigns of Asa, Nadab, Baasha, Elah and Zimri. Asa’s early years were marked by religious reform. He removed the foreign altars, tore down the sacred pillars and told the people of Judah to obey you. You rewarded Asa’s reforms with ten years of peace: “He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace” (2 Chr 14:6b). This reminds me of the proverb: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov 16:7). Asa used this time to build up Judah’s defenses, but nothing he did prepared him for Zerah’s million-man army. Asa knew he had no hope of defeating such a foe, and he called out to you, “O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You” (2 Chr 14:11b). You honored Asa’s request and routed the Ethiopians. So many fell that they could not recover, and the people carried away great plunder. This teaches me that no battle is too great for you. When I put my trust in you and obey your word, you are faithful to give me victory over the enemy. After the battle, you sent Azariah to encourage Asa to continue his religious reforms: “Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chr 15:7 NIV). Asa took courage when he heard these words, and he led Judah in a national revival. Yet later in his reign, Asa leaned on his own understanding, bought off the Syrians rather than trusting in you, and when he was rebuked, he hardened his heart. What a tragic end to a godly man! Reflection Asa was so committed to following you that he removed Maacah, his grandmother, from being the ‘Queen-Mother’ of Judah. Would I remain loyal to you if it meant taking a stand against my own family? Request Father, sometimes I get weary in well-doing. I ask that you would give me a special outpouring of your Spirit today. Help me to stand firm against the attacks of the enemy. Thanksgiving Thank you for the encouraging words you gave to Asa. They speak to me as well and remind me that “in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Christ Is All” — Anonymous. Meditation Verse: 2 Chronicles 15:4. |