The Green Forest tribune., 1915-08-20


 the record of II Chron. 14:9 or at tha reputed size of Xerxes' army are pain- Iully silent in the face of the present european struggle where armies are reckoned by the millions. Abiiah. Re- hopoams successor, easily defeated Jeroboam (ch. 13:13-20) because he relled upon the Lord" and Asa his son relgned in his stead"
 !. Righteousness Exhorted, w. 1.7. Returning from his wonderful victory over Zerah the Ethiopian, Asa is met by the spirit-anointed prophet, Azariah (v. l). This man was taken posses sion of by the spirit of God (II Pet. l:Zl; Mum. 24;2; Judges 3:10; II Tim. 3:l6). Thus it was that he commands even the king, Hear ye me" (v. 9. Ills first words were encouraging ones, Jehovah is with you" and the proof of his word was the victory Asa had just won, (ch. BPS; Rom. S:31; Deut. 20:O. That victory was a dem- onstraeion, it involved an obligation and had a lesson for the king as well, viz, that if he and his people would seek Jehovah they would find him. but If they forsook him he will forsake you. The words recorded in verse three were fearful indictment ("with- out the true God" Eph. 2:12) and they are suggestive picture of this age that is so sadly in need of a teaching priest" and is so constantly acting as though without law" or else is law unto itself. But God was merciful CPS. 103:S; 117:2), and in that time of testing was working his good will. Thus it came that "in their great trouble" (v. 4) they sought Jehovah and The was found of them" '" Neglecting him there was 'no peace," and great vexations" also Qsa. 4S:22). Our Lord has prophesied even greater calamities in the last days of Israels apostasy (Matt. 24:6, ? and the pres ent upheaval in Europe can be large ly traced to apostasy and to the treat ment of Gods people Israel.
 II. Righteousness Executed, w. 8-15. CD The Kings Part, w. 8, g. Asa had shown himself worthy of this spe- cial revelation from God: (a) his con- duct 14:2, 3, 8; (b) his words of command and exhortation 14:4); (c) his care for and service in be- half of others 14:60); 60 his reliance upon and zeal of God G4:1D. Verse eight is suggestive of the way he re- ceived this revelation; (a) he took courage'-a word of commendation will revive any weary heart. (b) He put away the abominations," most thoroughly, which his great-granCfath- CT Solomon had brought into Israel, and in accordance with the word of God (Deut 7:5). There are many strange altars in our land today, forms of religion that stand not the test of Gods word and which not alone deceive the very elect but are sweep ing into their vortex the sons and daughters of the saints of God. Any thing, no matter how esthetic or moral ly elevating CT professedly religious, that measures not according to this word, should be torn down. Co But Asa was constructive as well as de- structive for he built again the altar of Jehovah.
 2. The Peoples Part, w. 1o-15. (a) They obeyed and gathered together at Jerusalem, at the proper time and the place. (b) They offered sacrifice unto the Lord" Heretofore their of ferings had been to their seltlshness or to strange gods. Their gift was costly one and the Lords treasury IS always a standard whereby to meas ure the work of grace ln the hearts of his people. (c) They made another covenant ito seek the Lord. (Fs. 105:3. 4; Amos 5:4, 0. Those who seek him find him CPS. 14:2). To seek him is pleasing to him, but 1t must De as theirs, with all their soul" We find God in Christ John 14:6; l John 5:20). Whosoever sought him not were punished, even so will those pe who now turn from him (John 1e:S, g. Matt. 25). (d) They gave public testimony of their determination tV. 14). Loud protestations are not al- ways permanent.
 Conclusion. Though Asa had a parental handicap q Kings 15:l3) and lived in a corrupt court still he yielded to the teaching of Gods word and therefore wrought a great refor- mation.
 Recognizing the source Of power Ill his own life Asa taught the people the word of God, to seek God and to keen his commandments.
 Asa's reformation was in reality relieious revival and such is the only kind that has any permanency.
 Tn the time of testing Asa t1) went to God for help; (2) pleaded tbe cause of God and the honor of hls name; (3) went out to fight, trusting in God.
 Revival heights and experiences hless us evermore, new light shines in our daily life, the level of life IS higher and the ideals of men and or communities are more noble and ex' alted.
 No one can work his best without enthusiasm, and revivals provide both
 o11thnciaSm