2 Chronicles 15:8 – “When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he was encouraged.  He removed the detestable idols from the entire land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had seized in the Ephraimite hill country. He repaired the altar of the Lord in front of the porch of the Lord’s temple.”

This passage and the entire chapter of 2 Chronicles 15 brought inspiration, a directive, a warning, and a promise that challenged me.  2 15:8-15 provides the foundation for the message of the Spirit of God to my heart.

In 2 Chronicles 15:1-7, Asa, the king, was in the presence of the prophet Azariah.   The prophet’s message was age-old – if you seek God, He will let you find Him.  In verse 7, the prophet said, “But you, be strong and do not lose courage, FOR there is reward for your work.”

The revelation, inspiration, warning, and promise are embodied in that passage.  In 2 Chronicles 15:8, notice the progression: when Asa heard, he did not put on hold for later study.  When he heard the prophecy, he “Took Courage and Acted.”    It was immediate obedience.

He removed the abominable (the very appearance of evil as well). He Restored the altar of the Lord (place of commitment, sacrifice, worship, and prayer) personally and corporately, but the action was Immediate!

2 Chronicles 15:15 – “…so, the LORD gave them rest on every side.”

In Matthew Chapter One, we see this in Joseph, Mary’s husband, an example of this principle—“Hear, take Courage, and Act.”  When Joseph found out his fiancée was pregnant, it was a major system shock to his Hebrew religious mentality.   

He did what any man in his time would have done, but God gave him a dream and told him what was happening.  In verse 24, we see the principle put into action.  Joseph got up and married her but had no physical relations with her until Jesus was born.  His response was immediate.   There was no hesitation or theorizing, just obedience.

Later, after the visit by the Magi, another dream and warning, and “in the night,” Joseph acted.   His response was immediate in complete obedience.

The danger is that delay in obedience can become disobedience and thwart God’s desire for us.   It gives the enemy an opportunity.   The Key is knowing God, knowing His voice, and obeying out of that place of confidence. God provides guidance and protects us when we walk in obedience.  

2 Chronicles 20:20 (perfect vision 20-20) Jehoshaphat heard the prophet and acted immediately. He said to the people what we need to hear and heed: ” Put your trust in the LORD your God, and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets, and you will succeed.”

We “Hear” the word either in a word or in the Word (Bible).  When you hear obey, we are to Act!  Obedience shows us the door to an open heaven.  When the door is not visible, we should see if there has been a failure to obey immediately.  God desires to bless, guard, and guide more than we want, so receive it. 

Have a Great Day, and Determine that you will always Act in Immediate Obedience to the Holy Spirit’s Directive!