The Brinkley argus., 1915-08-20

GOLDEN TExT-Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. James AS. l Skeptics who formerly laughed at l the record of II Chron. 14:9 or at the reputed size of Xerxes' army are pain fully silent in the face of the present | European struggle where armies are reckoned by the millions Abijah. Re hoboam's successor, easily defeated | Jeroboam (ch. 13:13-20) because he relied upon the Lord" and Asa his son reigned in his stead"
 l !. Righteousness Exhorted, w. 1-7. Returning from his wonderful victory over Zerah the Ethiopian, Asa is met l by the spirit-anointed prophet, Azariah l (v. D. This man was taken posses sion of by the spirit of God (I Pet.l 1:21; Mum. 24:2; Judges 3:10; II Tim. | 3:16). Thus it was that he commands even the king, Hear ye me" (v. 9. l His first words were encouraging ones, Jehovah is with you" and the l proof of his word was the victory Asa had just won, (ch. BPS; Rom. 8:31; Deut 20:D. That victory was dem- 1 onstration, 1t 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 1 If they forsook him The will fOrsake you" The words recorded in verse three were fearful indictment ("with- 1 out the true God" Eph 2:12) and they are 8 suggestive picture of this | age that is so sadly in need of teaching priest" and is so constantly acting as though without law" or else is law unto itself. But God was merciful CPS. 103:8; 117:2), and in that time of testing was working his good will. Thus 1t came that fin their great trouble" (v. A they sought Jehovah and The was found of them" Neglecting him there was mo peace" l and great vexations" also Isa 48:22). Our Lord has prophesied even greater calamities in the last days of Israel's apostasy (Matt. 24.6, D and the pres I ent upheaval in Europe can be large ly traced to apostasy and to the treat ment of Gods people Israel.
 | II. Righteousness Executed, w. Sis. | (1) 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, 5); (b) his words of command and exhortation GAO; (c) his care for and service in be- l half of others (14:60); (d) his reliance upon and zeal of God (14:1D. 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 l thoroughly, which his great-grandfath- 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 l 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 l ly elevating CT professedly religious, that measures not according to this word, should be torn down. Co But l Asa was constructive as well as de- structive for he built again the altar l of Jehovah" l 2. The Peoples Part, w. 1o15. (a) They obeyed and gathered together at Jerusalem. at the proper time and the place. (b) They offered sacrifice
 into the Lord" Heretofore their of
 erings had been to their selfishness
 ,r to strange gods. Their gift was 9
 ,ostly one and the Lords treasury Is
 lways a standard whereby to meas
 re the work of grace in the hearts f his people. Co They made another l ovenant ito seek the Lord" CPS. o5:3, 4; Amos 5:4, 6). Those who
 eek him find him (Ps. 14:2). To seek i'm is pleasing to him, but 1t must be
 S theirs, with all their soul" We
 ind God in Christ (John 14:6; John j:20). Whosoever sought him not
 were punished, even so will those be who now turn from him (John 1e:8, 3; Matt 25). (d) They gave public testimony of their determination (v. 14. Loud protestations are not al ways permanent.
 l Conclusion. Though Asa had
 parei 'al handicap q Kings 15:13) and lived in corrupt court still he yielded to the teaching of Gods word and therefore wrought a great refor- nation.
 Recognizing the source of power in his own life Asa taught the people the word of God. to seek God and to keep his commandments.
 Asa's reformation was in reality religious revival and such is the only kind that has any permanency.
 | In the time of testing Asa CD
 went to God for help; (2) pleaded the cause of God and the honor of his
 name; (3) went out to fight. trusting in God.
 | Revival heights and experiences
 bless us evermore, a new light shines
 in our daily life. the level of life is
 higher and the ideals of men and of
 communities are more noble and ex-
 alted.
 No one can work his best without
 enthusiasm, and revivals provide both
 inspiration and enthusiasm.
 Asa was freed from invasions for
 twenty years after this experience.