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2 Chronicles 15:2

 BIBLE VERSE

2 Chronicles 15:2 (NLT)

He went out to meet King Asa and gave him this message: “Listen to me, Asa! Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The LORD will be with you as long as you are with him. If you search for him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.”

2 Chronicles 15:2 (NLT)

 * WHAT DOES IT SAY?

 * A prophet named Azariah delivers a message from God to King Asa and all the people. (2a)

 * The message contains a promise that God will be with His people if they are with Him. (2b)

 * The message also contains a condition: if they seek God, they will find Him. (2c)

 * Finally, the message gives a warning: if they abandon God, He will abandon them. (2d)

 * WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS?

a) Historical Context

 * Who was King Asa, and what was his reign like up to this point? What was the political and military situation of Judah at this time?

   b) Cultural Context

 * What did it mean for a prophet to "go out to meet the king"? What was the role of prophets in this society?

   c) Theological Context

 * What does it mean for God to "be with" someone? What does it mean for God to "abandon" someone? Is this a permanent state or a temporary consequence?

   d) Literary Context

 * What happens to King Asa and the people after this message is delivered? Does the rest of the book show them acting on this message?

   e) Life Application

 * What does it look like to "be with" the Lord or to "abandon" Him in a practical sense today?

 * WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN?

a) Understanding the propositions made in the text

 * The text presents a clear and powerful conditional statement from God. It establishes a direct link between the people's relationship with God and God's presence and favor in their lives. The core proposition is that God's closeness is directly tied to our pursuit of Him. It is a message of both promise and warning.

b) What the text means and provides answers for the questions

 * Historical Context: King Asa had just secured a great victory against a large Cushite army, but he was relying on human strength and not God. Azariah's message was a divine wake-up call, a reminder that their success was a result of God's favor and not their own might. Asa's reign began well, as he purged idolatry, but this message shows that the people's devotion needed to be continually renewed.

 * Cultural Context: Prophets were God's messengers, often delivering unpopular or challenging words to kings and the people. Azariah's act of going out to meet the king was a public declaration, reinforcing the idea that no one, not even a king, was above God's law. This was a normal, though often risky, role for a prophet.

 * Theological Context: To "be with" God means to have His presence, protection, and blessing. To "abandon" God means to turn away from Him and His commands, to rely on one's own strength or other gods. This abandonment does not necessarily mean God ceases to exist or is not omnipotent, but rather that He withdraws His unique favor and protection. This is a call to a living, active relationship, not a one-time decision.

 * Literary Context: Following this verse, King Asa is encouraged. He takes the message to heart, leading a major reform throughout Judah, getting rid of idols, and leading the people in a covenant ceremony to seek the Lord. The text shows a direct, positive response to the prophet's words, at least for a time.

 * HOW DOES THE TEXT APPLY TO ME?

This verse challenges me to examine the current state of my relationship with God. It encourages me to stop and ask if I am actively "with Him" or if I have, perhaps subtly, begun to "abandon" Him by relying on my own wisdom, strength, or resources. This isn't a "one and done" message; it's a daily call to pursue God. It reminds me that God's presence is not guaranteed by my position or past actions, but by my present, active pursuit of Him. I must continually seek Him through prayer, scripture, and worship, trusting that when I do, I will find Him.

PRAYER/RESPONSE

Gracious God, I confess that there are days when my heart feels distant from You. I get caught up in the worries and plans of my life, and I forget to actively seek Your presence. I fear that I am relying on my own strength instead of Yours. Help me to hear the message of this verse and take it to heart. I want to be with You always. Forgive me for the times I have abandoned You. I surrender my fears and doubts and choose to search for You. I know that if I seek You, I will find You, and that gives me hope for the future. Amen.


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