Our Inheritance​

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by David G. Rose

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     Here’s a question. What would happen if God sent a Holy Ghost revival to America? Many say we want a revival, but are we really ready for such a move of God? 

     An example of a Heaven-sent revival is detailed in 2 Chronicles 15. King Asa is bringing reforms to Judah that will position them to be ready for a sovereign move of God. A preacher not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible appears before Asa at a critical crossroads. Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the prophet Azariah gives Asa guidance for his reign as king. 

     In the brief prophecy to King Asa, Azariah said in 2 Chronicles 15:2 KJV, “The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him He will be with you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” The simple but profound premise is this: Man with God, finds God with him. Man forsaking God, finds that he is forsaken of God. We have a choice. There it is. This is the basis for revival. What happened next, remains a true miracle of God. 

     King Asa understood the prophecy and took the initiative to purge his country of all known sin. He even had a reckoning within his own family by deposing his mother from royal duties because she had given herself to idol worship. It took a man of God to make these noble decisions. Now, look deeper at the steps King Asa took to stir revival in his kingdom.

     In verse 8, Asa tore down the idols that had ruined his people. At the same time, he restored the altar as a place of sacrifice and worship. In any life, these two acts must be taken. As we remove sinful habits, we must replace the time spent on them with worship of God. Simply removing the old without adding the new will only lead to a worse spiritual condition. (Matthew 12:44-45)

     In 2 Chronicles 15:11, Asa led the people in a series of sacrifices that would be pleasing to the Lord. Self-sacrifice has always been the foundation of true revival. Jesus said in Luke 14:33 that those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciple. If you want God to move in your life, be willing to give everything to God. Some things will be removed, but all will be seen as a sweet sacrifice.

     In verse 12 through 15, the King and the people entered into a sacred covenant of dedication and consecration unto the Lord. This covenant of King Asa and the congregation was sealed with bold commitments that would not be renounced. The whole company saw and heard and agreed together to honor God. They were earnest in their devotion. And God heard them and was pleased. Know this, until you make a holy pact with God, it is just talk.

In verses 17-19, God blessed them with decades of peace and a refreshing that changed how they worshipped and lived. That is a true revival.

     Before we conclude, look back to verse 9. Here we see a great spiritual awakening among the people that impacted the nation for many years to come. To this day, the revival under King Asa is remembered, and revered as an example of us. Lord, send a revival!

     Next week: Precious
 

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