Steps of Reform

“The Spirit of God came upon Azariah, and he went out to meet Asa and said, ‘Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, a teaching priest and law, but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city… But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.’

“As soon as Asa heard these words,.. he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land… and from the cities that he had taken.., and he repaired the altar of the Lord… He gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those… residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord was with him… They sacrificed to the Lord on that day from the spoil that they had brought 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, but that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-9,11-15

The effect of God’s Spirit moving is evident through the power of the prophet’s word to Asa and his immediate resultant bold reforms. Exemplary in their thoroughness and the courage with which they were executed, the steps taken by the king redirected the passion and priorities of God’s people. Only a steadfast, wholly true heart would beat with such compulsion and take such bold and effective action.

First, Asa received the prophet’s words with eager resolve to seek the Lord and courageously endeavor to work for Him. He wasted no time. How quickly do we obey when the Lord’s word strikes?

Next, he removed the detestable idols from the cities and land. What little gods have we allowed to stain our affections, entertainment, language? What needs extricating in order for us to be pure in mind and practice?

Then, Asa repaired the altar, attracting others to the Lord. What has interrupted or broken regular, consistent fellowship with the Lord? How will we adjust time, place, schedule, to prioritize unfettered worship and winsomely invite others?

With those steps taken, there was great rejoicing, with sacrifice, song, and surrender. What personal reforms has the Spirit identified that will enable robust celebration of the Lord and His goodness? What steps will I take first? What will I offer Him today of resources and praise?

Father, reform my heart and whole desire to purity and generosity toward You, so You are honored and magnified.