April 28, 2026 - 2 Chronicles 15-18

The story of Asa’s rule began in chapter 14.  Chapter 15 continues the story.  Azariah recounted times past when Israel had turned away from God and were graciously restored and blessed when they turned back to him.  Asa took to heart what he was hearing.  He “put away the detestable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin” (15:8), and he and the people “entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul” (15:12).  They “sought [the Lord] with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around” (15:15).  Now, all was not perfect; the seeds of future rebellion had not been completely rooted out:  “The high places were not taken out of Israel. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true all his days” (15:17).  These scenarios would play out, once again, during the following reign of Jehoshaphat.  All this is a good reminder of how we must watch our hearts, always guarding them, turning from wrong, and looking to the Lord.  A proverb for the day:  “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

Another day for Jesus,

A coming day to me,

A day with precious burden

Of opportunity.

What harvest shall I give it?

What record shall I write

Upon these opening pages

Of pure and spotless white?

O blessed work for Jesus,

O glorious coming day,

Thy golden hours may laden be

With work for Him who died for me;

O blessed work for Jesus,

O glorious coming day.   --Lucy Rider Meyer (19^th century)