Good morning. It is Tuesday, June 14th, 2022. The Old Testament is an adventure, to say the least! It chronicles the lives of saints and scoundrels from which we can learn. Following verse after verse of villainous kings, finally, Asa steps onto the stage, and with his arrival comes a refreshing taste of what can happen when we honor God and obey His instructions. But before the rewards are the requirements. Read on …
Today's Reading:
1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4
Scripture
“He built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was undisturbed, and there was no one at war with him during those years, because the Lord had given him rest. For he said to Judah, ‘Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.’ So they built and prospered.”
(2 Chronicles 14:6-7)
Observation
Finally, a man named Asa arrived with a fresh breeze and wasted no time. His first order of business was to restore the pre-eminence of God and remove the idols. And, in no small act of courage, he restricted his grandmother, Maacah, to house arrest after having dethroned her as queen mother. I’m sure it made front-page news in all the surrounding village papers!
The clean-out was brutal, but the final fruit was sweet. Now, in a land of spiritual peace and order, the citizens could “build and prosper.” That wasn’t an option before. The villages had been aflame with idolatry, infighting, debauchery, and all that leaches from an infected society. But when God was re-installed as King, the people’s hearts rejoiced. Now, the townspeople could lift their eyes from themselves and look into the future.
Progress ceases when the seas are angry, but when the storms are stilled, seaports bustle with activity: shipbuilding, conversation, laughter, buying, and trading … all the things that make for a fruitful life.
Application
The same is true in our nation, churches, and families. Building a culture where an undying devotion to Christ is preeminent paves the road for future building. But, it cannot happen unless there are godly hearts and a unity of spirit. One of the most significant contributions a leader can make is to increase the morale of those involved through restoring relationships that were once estranged … from one another and God.
Fruit can only be born from mature trees...and mature churches...that have stepped beyond petty infighting, craving personal gain, and internal power struggles. This doesn’t mean churches will be absent of problems. Rather, it will take churches that know how to resolve each problem in a way that glorifies God and builds biblical character.
Prayer
May it be so with our churches, families, and nation today! Please help us to focus not only on fruit but on faithfulness. When we are faithful, the fruit will follow. I am so thrilled to serve You wholeheartedly today and every day!
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