DCLM DAILY MANNA DAILY DEVOTIONAL OCTOBER 17, 2021 (When The Righteous Are In Power)
TOPIC: When The Righteous Are In Power
TEXT: 2 Chronicles 14:1-15
1. So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.
And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God;
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves;
And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.
Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images; and the kingdom was quiet before him.
And he built fenced cities in Judah; for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand; all these were mighty men of valour.
And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.
Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.
And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.
And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar; and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.
And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them; and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.
They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.
KEY VERSE: “Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” – (2 Chronicles 14:7)
MESSAGE:
Power and authority are conferred by God on people who are to exercise such privilege for the general good of the people and peaceful running of the society. If such leaders would realise they are holding the power on God’s behalf, they would be seen to be dealing righteously and the people’s reaction would be a joyful followership.
Asa’s reign witnessed a prolonged period of peace. The reason is not farfetched. “Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves” (verses 2,3). Obedience brings blessing. All through the Bible, leaders who obeyed God and kept His commandment enjoyed His support and miraculous deliverances.
David knew the importance of following the Lord steadfastly and so admonished his son thus: “know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind…if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).
Today, leaders and members who are implicitly obedient to God’s word and instructions are in short supply. The reason is that some pastors and leaders no longer wait for true power through the Holy Spirit’s baptism. Little wonder there is upsurge in the founding of new churches.
But King Asa faithfully served the Lord who gave him and Judah rest and they built and prospered. To have peace and prosperity, we must serve God sincerely with our various gifts and talents. Those who devote their time, mind and energy to serve Him shall be rewarded in the present life and all through eternity.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Serve God with all your mind and reap endless joy and blessings.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Isaiah 46-50
DCLM Daily Manna 17 October 2021 Deeper Life Devotional Message was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
