We started this journey by stating that Asa did well for a time. It was a result of his response to Azariah’s exhortation.
Stop and think about that for a minute. Azariah was not a public official. He was confronting the king on the basis of the Holy Spirit’s prompting and Asa responded. That underscores the importance of one individual acting on the leading of God. It made a huge difference in the life of Asa, as long as he listened and responded accordingly.
But there is more.
Focus on 2 Chronicles 15:7 (here @ Bible Gateway). Think through the context. The nation is in distress. There is no one to teach them the Law. Yet God allows them to find Him. Then Azariah encourages Asa that he is to be strong, that there is a reward for his work. That immediately reminded me of 1 Corinthians 16:13 (here @ Bible Gateway) and 2 Timothy 2:25 – 25 (here @ Bible Gateway).
These passages seem to reveal two sides to the same coin. We are to depend on God for all that we do. Thus, the premium put on seeking him before work in 2 Chronicles 15:7 (here @ Bible Gateway), but we are to work, engage, expend effort, knowing that through that dependence on Him, He will accomplish His work through ours. That is really clear in 2 Timothy 2:24 – 25 (here @ Bible Gateway), we confront those who are in opposition, but it is God who changes their mind.
Think through these last few posts. I will share some summary thoughts tomorrow.
But there is more.
Focus on 2 Chronicles 15:7 (here @ Bible Gateway). Think through the context. The nation is in distress. There is no one to teach them the Law. Yet God allows them to find Him. Then Azariah encourages Asa that he is to be strong, that there is a reward for his work. That immediately reminded me of 1 Corinthians 16:13 (here @ Bible Gateway) and 2 Timothy 2:25 – 25 (here @ Bible Gateway).
These passages seem to reveal two sides to the same coin. We are to depend on God for all that we do. Thus, the premium put on seeking him before work in 2 Chronicles 15:7 (here @ Bible Gateway), but we are to work, engage, expend effort, knowing that through that dependence on Him, He will accomplish His work through ours. That is really clear in 2 Timothy 2:24 – 25 (here @ Bible Gateway), we confront those who are in opposition, but it is God who changes their mind.
Think through these last few posts. I will share some summary thoughts tomorrow.
This may be another of the truths we will ponder and marvel over for at least part of eternity. Those of us who strove to raise children know that it's a lot harder to involve them in what we are doing than to just go ahead and do it ourselves. But that's a significant way they learn and develop into productive, responsible adults.
ReplyDeleteAnother factor that occurs to me is what you mention at the end - only God can change the heart of another. We know from Genesis 1 and 2 that God made us to work. At times our work requires engaging others, as in this case with Azariah and Asa. But that work is only effective when God changes a heart.