And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.
2 Chronicles 15:9 KJV
This passage illustrates the power of attraction that comes from carrying the presence of God. Consider a light bulb. It illuminates because of the wires connected to it. Similarly, we shine based on what we carry within us. A light attracts everyone’s attention, both humans and animals alike. King Asa didn’t draw people to him by his power or knowledge alone. It was the presence of God they saw in him that attracted them. They willingly aligned themselves with him because they recognised that the Lord was with him.
Isaiah 60:3 states, ‘Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.’ People are drawn to you because of what they see in you. So, what do others see in you? Is the presence of God you carry potent enough to draw unbelievers to God through you?
As believers, we are to draw unbelievers to God through our lives, as His presence dwells in us. Unfortunately, it seems that nowadays, the reverse is the case. Unbelievers are drawing believers away to their sinful ways. This happens when the presence of the Lord is no longer evident in their lives. Some have journeyed without it and cannot even discern whether His presence is still with them.
It’s crucial to note that the events recorded in 2 Chronicles 15:9 were part of a series of events. One of the preceding events, found in verse 8, tells us that when Asa heard the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and all the cities. He also renewed the altar of the Lord. This act laid the foundation for Asa’s ‘shining.’ It’s impossible for God to dwell with a man who hasn’t separated himself from the abominable. As long as a man clings to an idol, his life cannot be God’s dwelling place. No matter the prophecies he has heard, his life cannot reflect God’s glory unless he is right with God.
So, have you put away all the abominable idols? Have you renewed the altar of the Lord in your life? You cannot shine as a believer unless your life is right with God.
Matthew 5:16 urges us, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ Are you shining? How intense is your light? If you want unbelievers to glorify God through your life, then learn from Asa’s example and do what is needed. Get rid of the abominable idols and repair God’s altar. Let’s begin to shine as the lights we are called to be so that others can come to Christ.
In conclusion, our lives as believers should be a beacon, drawing others to God’s love and grace. By living righteously and carrying God’s presence, we can attract others to the faith. Let’s strive to shine brightly, illuminating the path to Christ for those around us.
