How can we apply Asa's example of obedience to our daily walk? Setting the Stage “Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa became king in his place. In his days the land was at rest for ten years.” (2 Chronicles 14:1) Asa’s quiet decade was no accident; it flowed from a heart that chose obedience. What he did in that first peaceful stretch sets out a pattern for us. A Snapshot of Asa’s Obedience • Tore down pagan altars and high places (14:3) • Smashed sacred pillars and cut down Asherah poles (14:3) • “Commanded Judah to seek the LORD” (14:4) • Repaired and fortified the cities while the land was quiet (14:6–7) • Faced the massive Cushite army by crying out, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with few” (14:11) • Later renewed covenant worship with all Judah and Benjamin (15:12) • Even removed his own grandmother from her royal position for idolatry (15:16) Five Everyday Lessons 1. Clear Out Competing Altars – Anything that steals affection from Christ is today’s “high place.” – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) – Practical step: identify habits or media that dull spiritual hunger and remove them. 2. Seek the LORD Intentionally – Asa “commanded Judah” to do it; he treated seeking as urgent, not optional. – Start and finish each day with the Word; schedule it like a non-negotiable meeting (Psalm 63:1). 3. Build During Times of Peace – Asa fortified cities while there was no war; our quiet seasons are for deep discipleship. – Memorize Scripture, strengthen fellowship, and develop disciplines before pressures mount (Ephesians 6:13). 4. Depend on God When the Odds Are Impossible – Asa’s prayer in 14:11 models humble reliance: “Help us, LORD our God, for we rely on You.” – Translate that into quick, faith-filled prayers whenever deadlines, bills, or diagnoses loom large (Philippians 4:6–7). 5. Keep Obedience Personal and Costly – Removing the queen mother (15:16) shows obedience that hurts but heals. – Follow through even when it strains family ties, reputations, or comfort (Luke 14:26–27). Guarding Obedience Over the Long Haul Later in life Asa slipped—trusting physicians over God (16:12). His early zeal teaches, but his later lapse warns: today’s obedience needs tomorrow’s renewal. Stay soft before the Lord, keep short accounts, and never retire from reliance on Him. Living the Rest God granted Judah rest because Asa acted on truth. Obedience still brings soul-rest: “Take My yoke upon you… and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) Walk in the steps Asa first took—tear down rival altars, seek God wholeheartedly, and lean on Him in every battle—and experience the quiet confidence He delights to give. |
    |