What was his first action when he was told of the armies about to attack? No, he didn't call the joint chiefs of staff or pull out his maps and strategies. "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord." (vs. 3) He proclaimed a nation-wide fast, and the people of Judah came together from all over to seek their God. (And it always amazes me that men, women and children stood there for so long. We can hardly sit still in a church service for a couple of hours!)
He finished up his public prayer saying, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (vs.120) And God did something He doesn't do all that often. He told the people that HE would fight the enemy...they wouldn't have to. Many times they had gone to do battle, fought fiercely, mourned their dead...learning lesson after lesson about trusting the Lord. This time He would teach them in a different way.
It fascinates me that, in spite of the fact that the people of Judah were not going to do the actual fighting, God STILL told them to get ready. "Tomorrow march down against them...take up your positions and see the deliverance the Lord will give you." (vs.16,17) They still had to put on their armor, pick up their swords and shields, and march. Just because God was going to do the fighting didn't mean they could just sit around waiting for Him to get it over with. No, they needed to be more than just spectators.They had to get ready and be present, be a part of the battle scene, and be witnesses to God's power. "Go out and face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." (vs. 17) God was going to do the actual fighting, but they had to face the enemy.
So they marched...but not in the normal order. Jehoshaphat appointed men to go at the head of the army and sing. Let the choir go first! They didn't wait to see what God did and then praise Him. They started singing before the battle even started. They didn't even praise Him because He was going to fight for them! The king's order was to "sing to the Lord and praise Him for the splendor of his holiness". (vs.21) God should be praised because He is a holy, incredibly marvelous God, not just because He does things for us!
"As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the {enemy}...and they were defeated." (vs.22) They actually started killing each other! So by the time the singing army of Judah got to the battlefield, all they found were slain enemy soldiers. "No one had escaped", says vs. 24.
***************************************
Fascinating story! It seems to me like "we don't know what to do" is often the LAST thing we say to God, not the first! Once we've thought about and tried different ways, once we're stumped and can't figure it out...THEN we go to Him. Sort of like telling Him, "I've tried and worked at it, but I can't seem to do it, so... maybe You can help me with this?" Turning it into a last resort.
God is delighted to fight with us and for us! I think that usually He lets us do the fighting, with His armor to protect us and His power to help us defeat the enemy. That's how we learn and are strengthened and grow. Sometimes, like for Jehoshaphat and his people (who turned to Him immediately), He decides to do the whole thing Himself. But He always wants us to keep our spiritual wits about us. He wants us to face our enemy, to put on our armor, to be prepared, to march...and then have the thrill of watching Him work! (And when HE fights, He always wins!)
Whether we do the fighting or He does it, I believe His delight is increased exponentially when we begin to praise Him even before the battle begins! Don't wait to see how it ends! No matter what He does, what he allows, He deserves our praise! Besides, praising, itself, can be a vital factor in being prepared for spiritual war.
***************************************
We're starting a new year. There will be lots of things ahead of us, good and bad. So let's decide now to do what God told the people of Judah to do. "Take up your positions, stand firm...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." (II Chronicles. 20:17) What a New Year's resolution! What a New Year's promise!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
wow! wonderful lesson to start a new year, Becky! thank you so much!
ReplyDelete