For the Battle is Not Yours, But God’s (2 Chronicles 20:1-24)
Hoping for a Season of Breakthroughs
For the Battle Is Not Yours, But God’s (2 Chronicles 20:1-24)
A word has come to Jehoshaphat the King of Judah of an invasion of a vast army by several nations coming together and was advancing towards them. Jehoshaphat feared for the nation because he knew they lacked the power to defend themselves. They were hopelessly outnumbered, there were no human solutions. Their situation was difficult and overwhelming, and they did not know what to do (v.12). Familia, there comes a time in our lives when we are faced with what looks like impossible situations. We all face problems or crisis in life. These uncertain, difficult, painful situations come in a variety of forms and sizes. We encounter relationship issues, school, work and home related stresses, health issues, financial hardship and so on. No matter what the crisis may be, they disrupt our lives. Therefore, it is important that we are prepared and ready to face them regardless what come our way. The questions that we need to answer for ourselves are the following: How do I conduct myself during times of crisis? Can I really be prepared for them? When crisis comes, will I be ready? What am I to do? Today, let us look at what Jehoshaphat and the Israelites did during this situation when they came under attack and won this great battle.
An inheritance given by God.
“See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance (v.11).” Whose possessions? The Lords. Which He has given to whom? The people of God. Understand that it is God’s possession and He had the right to give it to the people to receive as an inheritance. Familia, as Christians this concerns us. God has given us inheritance to possess. He has given us homes, your family, your business, your well-being, your health to possess, His provisions to possess, promises that has to do with every aspect of your personal life and mine. He has given us to possess our purpose in life, our ministry, our love ones we want to see come to Jesus. Remember that Jesus died to purchase our love ones and to bring them to Himself. They belong to the Father and Jesus paid the price. There are things that belongs to God; it is His possessions and He wants to give to us to receive and inherit. But then there are others that wants to hinder us from receiving the inheritance God is giving or wants to take it away from you and me. Therefore, the warfare.
Inquire of the Lord, ask of Me.
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah (v.3).” I believe the word “alarmed” or “feared” here surely has to do with the overwhelming situation at hand, but I think it has to do more about respect than panic. It is not panicking but turning to prayer and respecting and regarding what God has to say about the situation more than what the circumstances is saying. It has to do with respect to God’s principles and ways (v.3-4, 12). There is an element of reverence because they had faith in the one and only true God. It is realizing they have a great Judge in the middle of their situation that cannot be defeated if they would appeal their case to Him. So, they turned to prayer and inquired of the Lord. Familia, we are not called to walk in panic, we are not called to voice our complaints, but we are called to have Faith in Him and ask of Him (Psalm 2:1-8).
Proclaiming a fast.
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah (v.3).” The people of Judah were in a situation where the oppression is coming and so, Jehoshaphat called them to a fast. The discipline of fasting is something that I know is important but have been a constant struggle in my own life. God calls us to a fast because it is the means to where the oppress goes free. It is significant to the release from spiritual bondage (Isaiah 58). One of the things we can do to break the oppression is fast. For your personal need, for your home, your familia, for others, for our island and for our nation.
The battle is not yours, but God’s.
“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 (v.15).” Praise God knowing that the battle is His. Familia, you and I come to an important turning point in our lives when we recognize that the battle is the Lord’s. But understand that this doesn’t leave us sitting on the sidelines. God involves us in some way, but I must keep in mind that what brings about the victory is entirely up to God. “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you (v. 17).” I believe that the challenge to our faith is to stand firm or stand still and actually be crushed.
Get before the Lord in worship and praise.
“Jehoshaphat bowed 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 very loud voice (v.18-19).” Get before the Lord, worshipfully and seeking after Him for the solution to the problem or solution to the vast circumstances coming to oppress you and me. I need to come before God in worship and waiting on Him and not running away because of fear and panic that arises within my own nature.
