At present I am reading through 2 Chronicles in my Old Testament readings, a historical record of the history of Israel and Judah after the reigns of David and Solomon. This is often a troubled history, with more kings choosing to go their own way than those choosing to follow God’s way!
It can be disheartening at times to read the repeated cycle of rebellion and disobedience and to understand something of the fickleness of people, but God has always maintained a ‘remnant’ of faithful followers, even in dark times.
What is encouraging is how a believing king can make a real difference. Asa was encouraged by Azariah the prophet, a reminder that we all need others in our journey of faith. The story in 2 Chronicles 15 also reminds us that God’s word brings energy and focus to the people, leading to positive action and real change.
Azariah’s word to Asa (2 Chron 15:7) galvanises Asa into action: to remove, to repair and to restore worship. (2 Chron 15:8) God’s word removed discouragement, and Asa then removed all the ‘detestable idols’ that had crept into the nation, also removing his grandmother, Maakah, from her position as queen mother because of her idolatry. (2 Chron 15:16) He went on to repair the altar and then restored worship in the nation, which led to a great gathering in Judah and a recommitment of the people to God’s ways.
When God speaks to us, He gives us the courage to do what is right and the energy to not give up. Then we can remove what is sinful from our lives, repair what is broken and restore God to His rightful place as Lord of our lives