TEXT:
‘So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper”’ (2 Chronicles 20:20).
The Bible is full of miraculous events that appear to be unbelievable because they are so amazing. The account of King Jehoshaphat’s reaction when being told he was about to be overrun by a superior army and what resulted, is no different.
In Part 1, we considered 3 principles: wrong associations; reacting to God’s discipline; and how a crisis can suddenly arise and catch us unawares. Today’s Teaching focusses on another four as we see Jehoshaphat move from fear to faith. God said, ‘I am the Lord, I do not change’ (Malachi 3:6). Therefore we can adopt God’s principles and believe God’s promises because they are as true today as they were thousands of years ago.
4. Prayer – ‘Shaken, Jehoshaphat prayed. He went to God for help and ordered a nationwide fast. The country of Judah united in seeking God’s help—they came from all the cities of Judah to pray to God’ (2 Chronicles 20:3-4 MSG)
Jehoshaphat got the nation praying but knew how to pray himself. Unfortunately many Christians ask for prayer because they do not know how to pray. Not Jehoshaphat, he prayed:
- On the basis of God’s position – ‘Are you not God in heaven and do you not rule over all the kingdoms?’ (v6)
It is similar to the Lord’s Prayer, ‘Our Father in heaven’ (Matthew 6:9). Jehoshaphat prayed believing God is ultimately over every kingdom and power. We need to remind ourselves of God’s attributes and resources before we start asking.
- On the basis that there was no justification for this attack (v10-11)
God had not allowed the Children of Israel to attack these nations on their wilderness journeys. The enemy’s response was to try to throw them out of the land God had given them.
- On the basis that God knows what to do when we do not – ‘Nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You’ (v12)
It’s alright to tell God you do not have sufficient resources, and don’t know what to do. He does know and will tell us what we need to do if we keep our eyes on Him.
5. The Holy Spirit – ‘Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel’ (v14)
What a difference the Holy Spirit makes in a crisis. Jesus performed no miracles until the day He said, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me’ (Luke 4:18). Then the healings and deliverances flowed continually. The disciples were transformed after being filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. No wonder Jesus had urged them to wait until they had received.1
Into this crisis and in response to Jehoshaphat’s prayer, God responded. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he gave an amazing prophecy, saying, “Don’t be afraid, go into battle but you will not have to fight. Stand still and you will see the salvation of the Lord”. (15-17). These words would have reminded them of what Moses had told the Children of Israel when pursued by the Egyptians. God parted the Red Sea which allowed them to cross safely but destroyed the Egyptians as they tried to follow.2 Another battle Israel did not have to fight!
The answer of the Holy Spirit to our crisis can come in various ways – prophecy, preaching or reading God’s Word. It can come to us personally or through other people. Listen carefully, especially when in church, otherwise you could miss what God is trying to say to you.
6. Praise – ‘Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever’ (v19)
For centuries, armies have tried to raise the spirits of those fighting through singing, shouting, or even playing the bagpipes. Anything that might help them to be victorious.
Jehoshaphat believed the prophecy and encouraged others to do so. They not only thanked God for the prophecy, but in an act of faith went out to battle, with the choirs and musicians ahead of the army. It was while they were singing and praising, that God caused the enemies to turn on each other. This is a lesson for us. Whatever the crisis, still keep praising. ‘In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Faith is wonderful. It helps our heart to believe when our head cannot. It brings God’s peace when we should be filled with fear. Anyone can praise God after a victory, but faith starts the Hallelujah Chorus before our natural eyes have seen any changes for the better!
7. Victory
All the Children of Israel had to do was gather up the spoils of war and it took them three days to do so. On the fourth day they gathered for a thanksgiving service, calling that place, “The valley of Berechah” which means the place of blessing (v25-26).
God really can change despair into joy and mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:5). Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem at the front of his army, in the same way as they had left, singing and praising the Lord. They were careful to give God all the glory and not take any of the credit for themselves.
Finally, the gospel is unbelievable, but believable because God has given to everyone a measure of faith to use.3 Jesus died and rose again from the dead. Impossible, you say. Paul said to King Agrippa, ‘Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?’ (Acts 26:8)
Do you want to believe that but find it too difficult? Sit quietly and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, for His main purpose is to help you see who Jesus really is and that He really is alive!
Endnotes:
1 Luke 24:49 2 Exodus 14:13 3 Romans 12:3
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