How can we ensure our lives leave a godly legacy like Asa's? The Scene: Asa’s Farewell Fragrance “ He was buried in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David, and they laid him on a bier covered with spices and various blends of perfumed ointments. Then they made a very great fire in his honor.” (2 Chronicles 16:14) His people honored him because, despite later stumbles, Asa’s long obedience had left an unmistakable aroma of faithfulness. How do we shape a life that will still “smell” like devotion when we are gone? Roots That Produce Fragrance What stood behind that final tribute? • Single-hearted devotion – “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God” (2 Chronicles 14:2). • Courageous reform – He “removed the foreign altars and high places” (14:3-5). • Dependent prayer – In crisis he cried, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty” (14:11). • Covenant renewal – “They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart” (15:12). Those choices laid the groundwork for a legacy others could celebrate. Guardrails for Our Own Legacy 1. Commit early and publicly – Romans 10:11: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” 2. Confront idols quickly – 1 John 5:21: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 3. Seek God first in every battle – Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” 4. Renew covenant rhythms – Hebrews 10:25: “Not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.” 5. Keep watch over finishing well – 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Daily Practices That Scent the Future • Word-soaked mornings – Psalm 1:2-3. • Conversational prayer throughout the day – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. • Quick repentance when convicted – Proverbs 28:13. • Generous acts done in secret – Matthew 6:3-4. • Mentoring the next generation – Psalm 78:4. Lessons from Asa’s Missteps Even a largely faithful king can drift. Asa trusted Syria instead of God (16:2-3) and sought doctors but not the Lord when diseased (16:12). Take heed: • Reliance must remain on God alone (Jeremiah 17:5-8). • Suffering should drive us to prayer before any other remedy (James 5:13-16). • Humility is essential to finish well (1 Peter 5:5-6). Promises to Anchor Hope • 2 Chronicles 16:9 – “For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” • Psalm 112:1-2 – “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD… His descendants will be mighty in the land.” • Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is to be chosen above great riches.” Finishing Thoughts Live today with tomorrow’s funeral in view. Fill your years with devotion, repentance, and courageous trust, and the “aroma” that rises at life’s end will quietly testify: this one walked with God, and the fragrance lingers. |
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