Asa's Reform (2 Chronicles 15)

How did Asa enact reforms in Judah? Do we need another reformation in the Church, returning to the faith once delivered? Let’s begin in 2 Chronicles 15.

What did Azariah the prophet promise Asa and the people of Judah from God? Can God do the same for us in a troubled world?

Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them. But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him. During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land. Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem. But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. (2 Chr 15:1-7 NLT)

What covenant did God make with the people of Judah that day? Is our heart and whole desire to serve God?

When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominations out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from the hill country of Ephraim; and he renewed Yahweh’s altar that was before Yahweh’s porch. He gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those who lived with them out of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon; for they came to him out of Israel in abundance when they saw that Yahweh his God was with him. So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. They sacrificed to Yahweh in that day, of the plunder which they had brought, seven hundred head of cattle and seven thousand sheep. They entered into the covenant to seek Yahweh, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul; and that whoever would not seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. They swore to Yahweh with a loud voice, with shouting, with trumpets, and with cornets. All Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found by them. Then Yahweh gave them rest all around. (2 Chr 15:8-15 WEB)

Was Asa serious enough to even punish beloved family members who betrayed God?

Asa the king even removed his grandmother Maacah from the position of queen mother because she had made an image of Asherah. Asa cut down her image, pulverized it, and burned it in the Kidron Valley. Although the shrines weren’t removed from Israel, Asa nevertheless remained committed with all his heart throughout his life. He brought into God’s temple the various silver and gold objects that he and his father had dedicated. There was no war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s rule. (2 Chr 15:16-19 CEB)

How does the new covenant compare with all previous covenants God has made?

But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree He is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been legally enacted on better promises. (Heb 8:6 HCSB)

How did Asa enact reforms in Judah? Do we need another reformation in the Church, returning to the faith once delivered? You decide!