In his children’s fantasy The Magician’s Nephew, C.S. Lewis tells the story of Diggory and Polly who are given a special mission. Aslan the Lion (the Christ-figure in the land of Narnia) has sent them on a flying horse named Fledge to a far-away mountain. Their job is to collect an apple from the Tree of Youth.
But there are some bumps along the way:
“Well, I do think someone might have arranged about our meals,” said Diggory.
“I’m sure Aslan would have, if you’d asked him,” said Fledge.
“Wouldn’t he know without being asked?” said Polly.
“I’ve no doubt he would,” said Fledge. “But I’ve a sort of idea he likes to be asked.”
Chapter 16 of 2 Chronicles tells a very different story but one with a similar idea. The nation of Judah is being blockaded by Israel. So Asa, king of Judah, makes a pact with the king of Aram to get him to ally himself with Judah and turn against Israel.
God was displeased with Asa’s strategy, particularly his failure to inquire of the Lord. He sends a prophet to speak a dire prediction of war and unrest over Asa’s nation and reign.
It’s significant that there’s no evidence that what Asa was trying to accomplish in his campaign against the Israelites was evil per se or that God was displeased with his goal.
On the contrary, breaking the blockade was most likely the right thing to do for the nation of Judah, and it appears that God would have been willing to grant him success and blessing. But the prophet says:
The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
The goal was good, but the process—and the heart—was a problem. God opted out.
I see potential parallels with Convention of States. We’ve embarked on a mission to bring about necessary changes to our governmental system. They’re good changes that will bring benefit to the people of our nation.
But God isn’t just interested in our long-term goals and the worthiness of them. He is also interested in our process and our heart. He wants to partner with those who will partner with him and allow him to call the shots and receive the glory.
Why did Asa not inquire of the Lord? Perhaps it was because he suspected that God's path to victory would require faith and risk. The pact with the king of Aram seemed like a safer deal.
Similarly, God may ask Convention of States to follow a path that is unconventional in terms of political activism—a path that seems a bit risky and requires humility and faith.
The world is full of activists on a mission to make the world a better place. Although some of these people may be deceived, most of them are well-intentioned.
But which of them will receive the blessing and empowerment of God?
My hope is that as we prayer warriors demonstrate our dependence on God and our willingness to follow him, we will catch his eye and move his heart to strengthen us in our mission and grant us victory.
After all, he likes to be asked.
