“And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done. He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. c Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.” vs11-13

We must be willing to sacrifice all that we have, and if so, then we’ll receive a great reward, even an honorable name before the Lord. We’ll receive the benefits of following Him in the gospel!

First, Asa was a good king, and he did what was right.

He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.

So must you and I! Believe the gospel until you cut down idolatry in the land. Be zealous and repent.

I’ve been reading about the Anabaptist, persecuted by Protestants and Roman Catholics alike. They endured their tongues being screwed to their jaws, or cut out, before burning at the stake. They endured with boldness and zeal, and I’m challenged in my PUNY FAITH.

Could I stand in the rack of torture, or would I draw back? The question is one that I don’t want to answer (I don’t covet torture), except in the heart by faith. I believe that I would, because of the Lord: He was their strength, and He is ours too.

Therefore, let us never relent in the day of battle. We are His until the end, and we owe Him for everlasting life. Paul said,

“I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.” [Rom 1:14-15]

He’s given us so much, how can we withhold any good thing?

Secondly, give Him your family, and raise them under the doctrine of Christ.

“In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.” [Luke 14:33]

Demand that your church preach the gospel in power, and support it with all of your might. Do not compromise, but labor in prayer! God is with you, and He will hear you, if you persevere!

“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” [Matt 15:27]

If you’re DESPERATE enough and cannot live without Christ, then He’ll come down in saving mercy; He’ll give you what you cannot deserve, but desperately need. Have faith in Him.

“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. [Matt 15:28]

Great faith believes in mercy in spite of all our unworthiness; it believes in spite of inability, which is how Abraham and Sarah obtained the promise [Rom 4:18-22].

Thirdly, Let us be a believing and relentless people.

He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole.

No compromise, no drawing back, and no short cuts! Asa removed the queen mother. This was no light thing. He chose God above all:

But My righteous one will live by faith;

and if he shrinks back,

I will take no pleasure in him.” [Heb 10:38]

Sound doctrine MUST BE PREACHED in Nigeria, and we must do it - not making a name for ourselves but bringing captives unto Jesus Christ. We make true disciples by preaching truth without compromise.

Finally, the Lord be with you and me in this great commission. May we look upon the Lord and lean upon His grace, observing what He commanded us.

“And teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matt 28:20]