2 Chronicles 15:1–19

Read the passage.

In the fifteenth year of his reign, Asa received a word of encouragement from the Lord through the prophet Azariah. This message was not only for the king, but for all of Judah and Benjamin as well. As it happens, the message is useful for us today as well. “Seek the Lord, and He will be with you.” Azariah gives an overview of the history of Israel during the time of the judges, and possibly from before the exodus from Egypt. During those times the people of Israel did not seek the Lord, and they did not have peace and prosperity. When things got bad enough, they would remember Him again and ask Him for help, so He would return and make things right again. If we are diligent to seek after the Lord, then He shall reward us and shield us from disaster.

Asa took this as a call to action to seek the Lord even more diligently, and did away with all of the idolatrous distractions that his father and grandfather had allowed to spread in the country. He also repaired the altar in the front of the temple, which I find shocking that it was necessary. On the one hand, things break down and need maintenance, even stones. But on the other hand, this was Solomon’s temple, in which God’s very presence was seen during its dedication. I suppose that had happened outside of living memory, being about 60 to 80 years ago. It just seems so hard to believe just how quickly the people forgot the miracles performed in their midst, and how quickly they fell away into idolatry.

Whatever the sentiment of the people, Asa’s heart was committed to the Lord. He brought together all the people in his kingdom to swear an oath that they would follow the Lord alone, and anyone who did not would be executed. He even went as far as to depose his own mother, who held an influential position as the queen mother. However, he didn’t go so far as to remove the “high places”, which were basically pagan worship sites that the people would also use to worship Yahweh, even though they weren’t supposed to. Despite this failure to completely purify the land, we are told Asa’s heart remained true, and he was blessed with many years of peace.

Purify our hearts so that we may see You clearly and desire to be close to You.