This chapter recounts a massive army from surrounding territories approaching Judah, and God’s deliverance of His people.
“…Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.’ And… he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.’ And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir… so that they… all helped to destroy one another.” (v20-23 abr)
When an unbeatable force comes up against God’s people, they have two main options – try to solve it themselves, or surrender to God and let Him lead. Thankfully King Jehoshaphat, who followed in the ways of his father Asa and David, was fully reliant upon God, and led Judah very well. He chose the correct path of relying on God.
In most countries we are not at war physically, though believe it or not, the entire population of the world is still at war. The Bible tells us: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:11-12) “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Cor 10:3-4)
Paul tells us quite clearly that there is an ongoing war, and our biggest battles are at a spiritual level, where conventional (earthly) wisdom and weapons are useless. This is where we need to rely on God the most. Through Jesus, we can resist the devil and he will flee from us (Ja 4:7), just like Judah stood their ground and God defeated their would-be attackers.
I encourage us to rely on God in all circumstances and at all times, so when those battles approach us, we’re already prepared and practiced at worshiping God, and allowing Him to have the victory and glory.
Father God, our All-Powerful Lord and Deliverer, we lift up Your mighty name. There is no power, no force, no opposition or danger that can withstand Your steadfast power and love. Father please teach us to worship You constantly, and lay ourselves at Your feet, fully surrendering to Your will. In doing so we trust that You will deliver us from the schemes of the devil and he will flee from us. All honor, power, glory and thanksgiving be unto You our Redeemer and Lord, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training