I joined an online bible study today — a refresher course of sorts. And what better time? 2 Chronicles 20 offers a welcome reminder here in the midst of the pandemic. My summary:
Judah was in a terrible predicament.
Jehoshaphat, Judah’s faithful leader, remembered the great things God had done for His people in the past and trusted that God could be counted on to do great things again.
Jehoshaphat chose to look to God and trust Him with the current need, and he gathered the people of Judah to pray.
We don't know what to do, so we're looking to you. – 2 Chronicles 20:12
Jehoshaphat and the people believed God would help.
Do not be afraid…the battle is not yours, but God’s. – 2 Chronicles 20:15
Jehoshaphat and the people worshipped.
(They worshipped, but why did they do it? They were not delivered. No, but they were sure they were going to be delivered. Their enemies were not dead. No, they were all alive, but they were sure they would be dead; so they had worship, and their devotion rose from trustful and grateful hearts. — Charles Spurgeon, The Singing Army, 1905)
Jehoshaphat and the people obeyed and trusted God, and their battle ended victoriously.
Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever. – 2 Chronicles 20:21
The concepts of God fighting for us and of praising God BEFORE the battle is over are etched in my heart thanks to 2 Chronicles 20. Remember: trust, choose, look, gather, pray, believe, worship, obey, praise — we know how our battles end. Victoriously!
And this picture reminds me. Though it may be cold and bare and windy outside, there is beauty and light and peace inside — when I remember.
So true!! We DO need to remember Who is in control!
This became one of my favorite passages from the Old Testament when, many years ago, I helped direct a children's musical called, "Fat, fat Jehoshaphat" (I guess it had to rhyme). My favorite song was, "First you pray!".
Thanks for sharing this today! I DO need to remember! FAV
Sounds like a great study! It also reminds me of one of the lines in a favorite hymn- that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. We're so used to acting on results. God answered a prayer and then we praise Him. But most of the time it's the opposite in the Bible. The priests had to step into the raging Spring waters of the Jordan BEFORE the Lord calmed it down. I think the story of Jehoshaphat and the crossing of the Jordan really illustrate what faith is all about. Heb. 11:1
@olivetreeann Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. — Heb. 11:1 — Thank you for your lovely comment, Ann!
November 25th, 2020
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This became one of my favorite passages from the Old Testament when, many years ago, I helped direct a children's musical called, "Fat, fat Jehoshaphat" (I guess it had to rhyme). My favorite song was, "First you pray!".
Thanks for sharing this today! I DO need to remember! FAV