The Battle Is Still The Lord’s
If you live in this world, you are inevitably going to be the target of some unfair battles. Not because of anything you did, but to satisfy someone else’s selfish purposes. In those instances where you have been targeted unfairly, particularly by forces that are more powerful and have more resources than you, it can feel overwhelming. But, whenever you find yourself in that situation, you’re perfectly positioned to be delivered and get the victory! How? This week’s lesson (2 Chronicles 20:12-20) gives us insight as to how we should approach enemies that have unfairly formed against us. Without provocation, Judah’s neighbors sought to attack her, with overwhelming forces. In their despair, the king and the people of Judah turned back to God. They humbled themselves, prayed and watched in anticipation of God’s answer. God’s answer was this…. You don’t have to fight this battle. Just watch and see the power of the Lord to deliver you! I pray that you will go to God in faith and in prayer, and then trust Him to deliver you from any and all powerful forces that have come against you in your life. Amen
All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chron. 20:13-15) The armies of Judah’s neighbors had joined forces to attack her. In response, King Jehoshaphat gathered together the men, women and children of Judah for prayer and a national observance of repentance. Then they turned their eyes to God to wait to hear from Him. (Zara Neal Hurston captured this scene in the title of her classic book - “Their Eyes Were Watching God”). As the people of Judah waited in anticipation, The Holy Spirit came upon a Levite, Jahaziel, empowering him to prophesy that God Himself would take up the battle against the invading army. His message of comfort to Judah was do not be afraid or discouraged…. God will fight the battle on your behalf. (See David’s similar words when facing Goliath. 1 Sam. 17:47).
Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” (2 Chron. 20:16-17) Jahaziel further instructed the assembly where they would find the invading army the next day. He reiterated that they would not have to fight the battle that was coming. But they were to take up their positions and witness their deliverance by God. He repeated his words of comfort to them (“do not be afraid or discouraged”) telling them that the Lord would be with them.
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful. ” (2 Chron. 20:18-20) King Jehoshaphat bowed down to God in worship and the people of Judah followed his lead. Then some Levites began loudly praising God. Early the next morning, the King and the people set out on their way to the desert of Tekoa as God had instructed them. Jehoshaphat’s message to the people of Judah was to faith in God and the prophetic message He sent to them.
For years Paul Harvey had a syndicated radio segment, where he told stories with endings that were stranger than fiction. His segment was titled “The Rest of the Story”. Well, The rest of the story for King Jehoshaphat and Judah was that God created confusion amongst the invading army that day, such that they annihilated each other. And Judah was there to witness the slaughter. Afterwards, the people walked down into the valley (called praise) and gathered up the plunder from amongst the defeated enemy. There was so much that they couldn’t carry it all. And they returned home to praise God in the temple. Other nations heard what God had done for Judah and were afraid. So, Jehoshaphat reigned in peace for the rest of his days.
We, like Jehoshaphat, can live a life of peace, free from the threat of our enemies that may try to come against us. How? By turning to God in faith and prayer, keeping our focus on Him, and watching to see how He will deliver us. Because, the good news is this.... God is still able and willing to fight the battles of His people, whenever they turn to Him in faith, believing that He can and He will!
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6
