Prophet Azariah exhorted King Asa. In that, he gave a diagnosis of the problem of the Nation of Judah: No true God, no teaching priest, and no law. “For a long time, Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and law.” (II Chronicles 15:3) The Nations that accept the True God, His Law, and joyfully receive the gospel from His servants will flourish and prosper.
True God: The Nation was without the True God, though God had revealed Himself to the Nation and made a covenant relationship. Yet, they chose the gods of the neighboring nations and also created their own gods.
Teaching Priest: Priests and Levites were not just called to fulfil the sacrifices and other rituals. King David appointed the musicians and singers. (I Chronicles 6:31-32) Sadly, there is no information regarding the appointment of Levitical teachers. The priests and Levites were mandated to teach all the tribes of Israel the Word of God. The teaching was essential for protecting the spiritual and moral life of the Nation. (Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 33:10: Malachi 2:7; II Chronicles 17:7-9) When it was not done adequately, systematically, and regularly, there was a decline in the spiritual life of the nation.
Law: The Nation was destroyed because of the lack of knowledge of the Law. (Hosea 4:6) The Law was recorded and documented by Moses. (Exodus 20-23) He also read publicly to make a covenant with God. And later Joshua also read it, to renew the covenant. (Joshua 24:25) Ezra also read and taught the Scripture. (Nehemiah 8:3-6) However, most of the time, the Law was neglected, ignored, and indifferent. They considered the Law of God a strange thing. (Hosea 8:12)
Ability to teach: The Great Commission is to take the Gospel to the whole world. All humans should have an opportunity to hear the gospel. That includes teaching all that the Lord taught His disciples to all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20) One of the requirements of an Elder is the ability to teach. (I Timothy 3:2)
Do I accept the True God, His Law, and His teachings?