Tuesday: Day 2: Courageous Change

BIG IDEA:  “Moving On” from God is hell (in this life and the next). Moving on with God touches heaven.

Scripture: 1 Kings 15:9-13 (ESV)

"In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa began to reign over Judah, and he reigned forty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David his father had done. He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah."

King Asa’s leadership reflects a significant departure from his predecessors. By removing pagan practices and even displacing his grandmother from a position of influence, Asa commits to a radical realignment with God’s laws. His actions illustrate courage and dedication to reform, prioritizing divine approval over familial allegiance and societal norms.

Asa’s decision to dismantle idolatrous influences within his realm shows that true leadership requires hard choices and a commitment to righteousness, even at personal or relational costs. His reforms underscore the necessity of addressing sin explicitly to restore spiritual integrity both personally and nationally.

Asa inspires us to assess areas of life where compromise may exist and encourages proactive measures to realign with God. His willingness to confront deeply rooted traditions challenges us to put God above all, and in doing so, we foster an environment where God’s blessings can abound.

Action Step:  Identify one area in your life that needs reform. Take a step today, however small, towards eliminating influences that hinder your relationship with God.

Prayer:  Lord, give me the courage of Asa to make bold changes in my life that reflect Your righteousness. Show me where I need to remove idols and guide me in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Song of the Day:  “Clean Heart” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt. Clean Heart | Bryan & Katie Torwalt | Worship Together Session