Who’s Battle is it anyway?

In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we see a great army headed toward Jerusalem. The forces of Moab, Ammon, and Edom are moving to take advantage of the Northern kingdom and they would take by force the wealth of king Jehoshaphat.

These nations were descendants of Lot and Edom of Esau. The three nations bordered Israel and, for generations, they had been under the thumb of the kings of Israel.  They even were required to pay tribute taxes and provide (forced) labor.  

The kingdom of Israel had split into two kingdoms and the Northern kingdom was severely weakened from battles with Syria.  The plan was to join the three nation’s forces and take the army of Judah.  

Jehoshaphat found out about the plan and he understood what was about to happen. His army was unmatched and would fall under the power of the enemy nations. The result would be death to the king and those he loved. His people would fall under the power of the enemy. That pressure must have been enormous. The weight on his shoulders to protect and save his people, and literally his life, was overwhelming.

Jehoshaphat had limited options and time. He could have tried to negotiate and possibly surrender. He could have paid them off. As he pondered his options, no doubt, he remembered his Father’s mistake. Asa, in his later years, did not depend on God like he had in his younger years. Asa was punished for this failure.

Men, do you ever find yourself in an impossible situation like Jehoshaphat?  As we look around us today, many are facing impossible situations.  There are some who have lost jobs, financial security, health, and even some who are facing the loss of loved ones.  The battle seems too big to win.  What can we do?  Like Jehoshaphat, our resources are limited and what is ahead looks like destruction.

Jehoshaphat wasn’t just any king; he was a king who REALLY did trust the Lord.  He didn’t just believe.   King Jehoshaphat trusted God’s promises.  He believed that God could and would rescue Judah and he had a desire to honor God by trusting. 

 Brothers, there are times in our lives when all options are exhausted and we have few, if any, alternatives.  As difficult as the trial is, sometimes the greatest mercy is not having another alternative.  The greatest mercy is when we are brought to the end of ourselves and our only option is to fall into the arms of God.  

So, what did Jehoshaphat do?  He stepped up and took the role of leadership.  This is what we must do, men.  Jehoshaphat stood in front of the temple gathered the people and in a great moment of leadership he submitted himself to God.  

Jehoshaphat prays a great prayer (2 Chronicles 20:6-12).  The king recounts things God has done in the past.  He says that when evil, sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine comes against them they gather before the Temple in the presence of God and CRY “unto thee” (God).  Jehoshaphat then says; “then thou wilt hear and help”.  This man is confident in the power of God.  He knows what he is facing but he knows he doesn’t need to face it alone.  In verse 12 as he wraps up the prayer he says “our eyes are upon thee”.  

What are your eyes on today? 

What has your attention today? 

Today we have press conferences day in and day out. They are far from uplifting. There is nothing to put our confidence in. There is nothing to hold to. The situation is changing daily. What can we do??

Men!!  Turn the TV off!  Gather your family and turn that couch into a family altar.  Let your family see you bow yourself before God and submit to him.  Stop listening to the insipid ramblings of man and listen to the still small voice of God.  Have confidence in God based on his Holy Word.  Go to the throne of God and CRY out to him.  

So after Jehoshaphat prayed what happened?  Well, God answered.  

Look at verse 15; “And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you,  Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God’s…”  

God gives them specific instruction and then in verse 17 he says these words; “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle” set yourselves, stand ye still, AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD…”  

WOW!  God says you will have no need to fight.  You watch me and see what I will do.  

What if men across this nation unplugged the TV and took their families and CRIED out before God just like Jehoshaphat?   We might just see the salvation of the LORD!  GLORY to GOD!  

God kept his word.  He sent the armies of Moab, Ammon, and Edom into total confusion and they killed one another.  The army of Judah never had to lift a sword.  Not only that but it took them three days to carry the bounty back home.  

Real freedom is having confidence in God and knowing he will provide everything we need.  The man that will rely on God fully in every situation is a man that will have no fear.  The only way for us to have this confidence is to experience the power of God and his great faithfulness.   The trials we face are a source of true freedom.  

Do you trust him like Jehoshaphat?  

Do you REALLY believe he is able?

Are you willing to be bold and trust God alone?

Men, we need to stand firm, gather our families, and cry unto the Lord… and listen for his words! 

“…Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is NOT YOURS, BUT GOD’S” (2 Chronicles 20:15)

In these days we are praying for you brothers!

Be The Man!

Brother Tripp!