Bible a Reading: 2 Chron. 14; Col. 4:11-18.
“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.” – 2 Chronicles 14:6 KJV
When you are at peace with yourself and environment, you will be able to further build defences for yourself. Such defences could be physical, financial or spiritual. You will be able to think of improving your business, your career, your living environment and even your relationship with others.
Now when God is at peace with you, you will not only have peace with your friends but even your enemies. Proverbs 16:7 (KJV), “When a man’s ways please the Lord , he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Thus in our bible reading of today, when King Abijah of Judah died, his son Asa took over and he pleased the Lord as 2 Chronicles 14:2 (KJV) confirms, “And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God:”
Because Asa pleased the Lord God, he gave him rest all round and he was able to further fortify his defence and no war could come near him. 2 Chronicles 14:6 KJV “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.” God will give you rest all through this year in Jesus name.
So when God gives you rest, you will be free from all forms of enemies. However to get such a rest, you will need to please the Lord by fearing him and obeying his commandments. (Eccl 12:13). To earn the rest of the Almighty, the bible records that King Asa destroyed the works of the devil and commanded his people to seek the Lord. 2 Chronicles 14:3-4 (KJV), “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.”
So he did not only serve God, He ensured all those within his authority served the Lord and destroyed all symbols and images of idolatry. What are you doing to ensure that all those within your authority serve the Lord and that those things that could distract them or draw them away from God are destroyed.
Action Point: Examine your activities, identify and remove anything that may be displeasing God while teaching others within your authority to seek Him.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero