II Chronicles 15:1-7
We see advertisements on TV and they have a money back guarantee. However, if you look at the fine print, terms and conditions apply to that. It’s never as good as it sounds. God puts it all in the same size print—the good and the bad. He hides nothing; he doesn’t try to slip anything through. He’s completely honest with us. It’s plain and understood. He wants a relationship with us and for us to have one with him.
Asa talked to the people and they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul (verse 12). It was for all the people of Judah. Asa succeeded his father as king and wanted to do what was right in the sight of God. The prophet came to him and before he could say anything about trying to do his best he got the terms and conditions. God knew what was coming in the future. Asa would soon run into differences with the heathen kings; they would elevate him and he might end up compromising with the world. That would be a big mistake for him.
There are some things that are unconditional. God’s love is unconditional. Regardless of what we do with that love, he will love us. People will go to hell because they don’t accept Jesus but they will go there being loved by God and his Son. God’s grace and mercy are unconditional. We have done nothing to merit either of them. If his mercy wasn’t everlasting I wouldn’t be here. If we want God moving toward us and want to know him in his fullness, there are terms and conditions. We would not be saved if we had not met the condition of faith. For by grace are ye saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
Are the terms too hard to meet? Too high? Not at all. Who makes the first move? If God hadn’t made the move to Asa he wouldn’t have known what to do. You may think you don’t need something from God right now that he’s trying to give you, but remember God walks ahead of time. If he speaks, listen and be willing to assume the terms and conditions he lays down with it. We must then make a move. We have not because we ask not. To experience his working we cannot set aside the terms and conditions.
God said, ‘hear me, Asa.’ He’s said ‘now hear me, Bob.’ Has he called your name? I’m glad he talks to us one on one. Verse 15 says they sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them. What more could we ask than he be found. He’s with us while we’re with him. Be with him to claim that he’s with you. He won’t be with us if we’re not willing to obey. Seek him. Give thought to him. We need to really seek him each day. If I want ice cream and there isn’t any in the freezer I have to go seek for it at the store. They won’t deliver it to me. Seek the Lord and he will be found. Everyone who seeks him will find him. What great promises!
But if you forsake him, he will forsake you. We go into a den of lions every day. If we go out without God he might just say all right then. See how long you last without me. Samson didn’t realize he Spirit of God was gone from him. He got up, shook himself to fight but his strength was gone. If we leave God out, we’ll be in trouble. Verse 4 reminds us but when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. Praise God! That’s what it’s all about. If we keep seeking we’ll keep finding him. That’s why he said in verse 7 be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
What more can we ask?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 