2 Chronicles-15
Revival in the Heart (2 Chronicles 15)
Introduction
The book of 2 Chronicles records the history of Israel, from King David's succession to the Babylonian captivity. In Chapter 15, we join the story during the reign of King Asa, as the nation of Judah experiences a glorious revival. As we dive into this account, we learn about the role of faith, obedience, and God's mighty blessings during times of revival.
Section 1: Asa's Faith and Obedience (1-15)
Devotional Thought: King Asa recognizes that God has given him victory over the Cushite army. He attributes it to the power of God and declares his faithfulness. This faithfulness breeds obedience, as he removes the pagan idols and repairs the altar on Mount Zion. Consider the connection between faith and obedience. How can we cultivate an obedient spirit in response to God's faithfulness?
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways have you seen God's faithfulness in your life, and how can you respond with faith and obedience?
- How can you identify and remove the idols in your life that hinder your obedience?
Section 2: The People's Response (16-15)
Devotional Thought: Asa's faith and obedience paves the way for a rekindling of God's people's faith. They covenant with a whole heart to follow God. This covenant is marked by active obedience, renewed worship, and a willingness to seek God's guidance in everything. Let's reflect on how we can renew our worship and fervently seek God's guidance today.
Reflection Questions:
- How can we wholeheartedly commit ourselves to following God in everything we do?
- Are there areas of our lives in which we need to renew our worship and seek God's guidance actively?
Section 3: The Blessing of God (16-19)
Devotional Thought: Asa's faith, obedience, and the faith of his people result in comfort from a severe sickness, as well as a victory over an Egyptian army. God's blessings are preservational, promoting health and defeating foes. Consider how the blessings of God accompany faith and obedience.
Reflection Questions:
- How have you experienced the preservational blessings of God in response to faith and obedience?
- Are there areas in your life in which you need to rely on God's preservational blessings amidst adversity?
Section 4: The Holy Spirit and Renewal (20-22)
Devotional Thought: God sends His Holy Spirit among the people, spreading throughout the territory. It is a time of evangelism, renewal, and revival. Those who mourn in the old covenant, those who remain mildly indifferent to its outworkings, and those who show no indication of feeling any of it are all reminded by God again of their holy covenant. Those who heed Jesus' words are understood to be the instructed ones in a prosperous way. The bible promises that "those who sow with tears shall reap with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:5). The revival and renewal spurred by God's Holy Spirit invigorates the people's faith. Today, let's reflect on the power of the Holy Spirit to renew and invigorate our faith.
Reflection Questions:
- How can we be more receptive to God's Holy Spirit, and how can we allow it to renew and invigorate our faith?
- Are there factors hindering our openness to God's Holy Spirit that we need to consider and overcome?
Conclusion:
In Chapter 15 of 2 Chronicles, we see a stunning revival. King Asa's faith, obedience, and the response of His people paved the way for the blessings of God. The chapter reminds us that faith and obedience remain fundamental components of a relationship with God. Let's commit ourselves to following God wholeheartedly, with unfailing faith and obedience, seeking God's guidance, and renew our worship spiritually. May the Holy Spirit invigorate and renew our faith constantly.