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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Isaiah 8:19-9:7

To Us A Child Is Born

Isaiah 8:19-9:7 Christmas 2010 Preparation
Key verse 9:6 Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 12-12-10
(Adapted from a message delivered in Chicago UBF 12/5/10 by Kevin Albright)

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Merry Christmas! Last week we thought about Jesus, who is Immanuel--God with us. Today, we want to marvel and wonder more about Jesus. Jesus is the Great Light who dispels all of our darkness. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. May you discover who Jesus is to you! May Jesus reign in all our hearts now and all year!

Part l: God’s Hope For His Suffering People (8:19-9:1)

First, Jesus is the Great Light. Isaiah the prophet lived in dark times. Two immediate neighbors to the north, Syria and Northern Israel, were threatening Judah. The brutal empire of Assyria was planning to conquer and pillage them all. The hearts of Ahaz, king of Judah and of his people were shaken with fear, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind (7:2). Though all the people were shaken by fear, the LORD warned Isaiah not to follow the way of this people. He said, "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread." (8:12-13)

The devil uses fear of people and of circumstances to enslave and paralyze people and keep them in darkness. This was true for the people of Judah and for us today. Americans became more fearful after the terrorist attacks of Sep.11, 2001. These days the unstable economy has made many people fearful. Out of fear, people seek answers in strange ways: like asking a psychic, reading horoscopes or even following the advice from fortune cookies. They buy lottery tickets with a vague hope for a miracle to happen. By seeking answers apart from God, they can never find the way but rather plunge themselves into greater darkness.

Let’s discover God’s way of coming out darkness. Look at verses 19-20. "When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn." God wants us to seek the answers in prayer through his word. Guides, who do not speak according to God's word, have no light of dawn. Following such blind guides leads us into idolatry, more distress, deeper darkness and fearful gloom (8:22). But following the word of God leads us into the light of God.

In those dark times, Isaiah saw God’s light instead. Look at chapter 9:1-2. Isaiah wrote, "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress....The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (9:1a, 2) Isaiah saw the light of God breaking through the gloom and dispelling the darkness. This light would enlarge the nation and increase their joy, like people rejoicing at harvest time or after a military victory.
Isaiah remembered another dark time in Israel's history when the light of God broke through to deliver them (Jdg 6-7). Look at verse 4. "As in the day of Midian's defeat you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor." The Midianites were powerful oppressors of Israel. At that time, the Israelites cried out to the Lord. God's word to Gideon was, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." Gideon replied, "...if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?...the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." God's message to Gideon was, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?...I will be with you..." In the middle of the dark night, Gideon and 300 men blew trumpets, smashed clay jars and shouted out loud. The light of their torches broke through the dark of night. The Lord caused the Midianites to turn on each other. The Lord brought about a great victory for his people. Isaiah foresaw another great victory from God. Military clothing would be burned as fuel. There would be a time of peace. This happened under King Hezekiah's reign in battle against the Assyrians.

It happened in a more global and spiritual way some 700 years later. Matthew quoted these verses from Isaiah in his gospel. Just after Jesus was baptized and tempted by the devil, Jesus went and lived in Galilee, by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what Isaiah wrote: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Mt 4:12-17)

The light of the world is Jesus. He guides us, even in a world full of darkness. Once Jesus and his disciples saw a man blind from birth. The disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus replied, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (Jn 9:1-4) Then Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the pool of Siloam." So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (Jn 9:6-7) This man was brought from the darkness of blindness to the light of new life by Jesus. Jesus’ disciples, who may have despaired about their inability to do the work of God, suddenly were illuminated with the knowledge that all they needed was mud and spit and faith to do the work of God. Jesus' critics, however, remained in darkness. They accused Jesus of being a sinner because he did this healing on the Sabbath. The blind man testified boldly in defense of Jesus, "I was blind but now I see!" (Jn 9:25b)

We know the modern story of a missionary to Egypt. Growing up in Sudan, he grew to hate Muslims. But through Bible study, he heard Jesus' words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Then he began to love and pray for Muslims in Egypt. He loved and prayed for those who mocked him and called him, "monkey." The light of Jesus brought him out of the darkness of hatred into the light of God’s love.

Once an adulterous woman was brought to Jesus (Jn 8:3-11). She was caught in the act of her dark lifestyle. The Jewish law required that she be stoned to death. When Jesus was interrogated and forced to take a stand regarding this woman's fate, Jesus said, "Any of you who is without sin, throw the first stone." They all walked away, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left. Then Jesus asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." Jesus brings us out of the darkness of condemnation into the light of his forgiveness and new life.

Without the light of Jesus we are all walking in darkness. But this does not have to be. John 3:21 says, "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." One young man was trapped in the darkness of a hedonistic and lustful lifestyle. Another young person was stuck in the darkness of despair and fatalism until he even lost the will to live. But through the word of God and the grace of Jesus, the light shined upon them. Jesus is the Great Light, the true light that gives light to every person (Jn 1:9). Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

What else did Isaiah say about this light? Look at verse 6a. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders." The light of God would drive out the darkness through the birth of a child. Jesus is that child. God sent his Son to be born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. At Jesus' birth the glory of the Lord shone upon Bethlehem shepherds, and they were terrified. But the angel of the Lord said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Lk 2:10-14)

Isaiah prophesied, "and the government will be on his shoulders." The government of God--the rule of heaven, would rest upon Jesus' shoulders. But he is not a selfish, power-hungry tyrant like so many in world history. Isaiah described his reign more fully in verse 7, "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever." This government would grow forever. This peace would never end. This King would establish and uphold his kingdom with justice and righteousness from then until forever. How would this happen? Isaiah wrote, "The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

Part ll: To Us A Child Is Born (9:3-7)

Isaiah described the marvelous character of this coming king. What is he like? Look at verses 6-7, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” First, Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. We all need advice, counsel and wisdom. We need a good, reliable coach and cheerleader, who tells, us not necessarily what we want to hear, but what we need to hear. We need someone who guides us in the best way. What is it worth to have such a counselor? Many people will pay $50 an hour to go and tell a professional all their problems, but they are limited in how much they can help others. We all have decisions to make which determine the direction of our lives. Decisions as to when to get up in the morning and what we will do that day must be made. There are major life decisions to make: What shall I do with my life? Whom shall I marry? Where shall I go to school and what shall I study? What jobs shall I apply for or take? Shall I go out as a missionary or stay where I am to serve God? The most important life decision is, "Shall I accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord and commit my life to him? Shall I believe the Bible as the word of God?" For all these and more, we need the Wonderful Counselor's wisdom and help. And so who is the counselor we so desperately need?

Jesus gives us the best counsel. Jeremiah 29:11-12 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." The Bible calls the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, the Counselor (Jn 14:16). We need this Wonderful Counselor to guide and direct us. When we pray and ask him for wisdom, he will give us wisdom. James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." And his counsel is with each of us, 24/7, never stopping as God counsels our hearts through his word and spirit. And the best part of it, is that it is free.

Second, Jesus is our Mighty God. Jesus is not just our shepherd and friend, he is the mighty God. Through him all things were made. He sustains all things by his powerful word. By his mighty word, "Be clean," lepers were healed. By his word, "Ephphatha!" a deaf man could hear. By his word, "Talitha koum!" a dead girl came to life. By his word, "Quiet! Come out of him!" and "Go!" demons fled. By his word, "Quiet! Be still!" a stormy sea subsided. By his word, "Lazarus, come out!" and the dead man walked out of his tomb. Is anything too hard for Jesus?

There was a man who was known as a troublemaker who hurt many people. So he was chained. But he broke the chains and moved into a graveyard. People were afraid of him because he looked crazy and harmful. One day Jesus met him and asked, "What is your name?" "Legion," the man replied, "for we are many." Today, this man would either be ignored or put in a mental hospital or locked up in prison. But Jesus helped him. Jesus commanded the evil spirits in him: "Come out of him!" Jesus set him free from the torment of demons. From that time on, he became a blessing by telling many people what Jesus, the Mighty God had done for him. (Mtt 5:1-20) Nothing is impossible for Jesus, the Mighty God. He created all things. He created you and me. He is the Owner of our lives. The Mighty God stooped to save helpless sinners. When we worship Jesus, the Mighty God, his power works in and through us.

Fourth, Jesus is our Everlasting Father. A good father loves, protects, trains and provides for his children. With a loving father, children grow up well n their humanity. But there are many children whose fathers are not present in their lives for one reason or another. Most juvenile delinquents are missing a positive father-figure in their lives. Some of them turn to gangs or to mischievous friends in an attempt to fill the void of a loving, caring father. However, even the best of human fathers have faults and cannot be there all the time for their children. Ultimately we all need an Everlasting Father. Jesus is an Everlasting Father to us. He will not abandon or leave us. Dr. William Altobar of the Philippines has three children of his own. He also has a father's heart for needy children; so he adopted three more children. Even a good human father like Dr. William cannot be there for his children forever. Only Jesus can be our Father Forever. Jesus promised in John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." He promised to be with us forever in Matthew 28:20, "Surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

I thank God that I can be a father to my five children. I try my best to be a faithful father who teaches and lives by the truth, who provides, who protects and who is in “the mix”. But even though I try my best I have many flaws. I get angry. I expect the worst. I loose my patience. I criticize and blurt out biting hurtful words. I become blind to the good things. My sins make me unable to fulfill all of my duties as a godly father. But though I have many sins and flaws, my children are prospering and growing. It is not be cause of me. It is all because they have an Everlasting Father, Jesus, who is with them always. He is with each of them to protect and provide and train and guide. He is with me in the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, to remind them of his words of promises and commands. Jesus is our Everlasting Father, who cares about all his children. He gave his life to rescue his children from the power of the evil one. Jesus is full of love. His heart is always turned toward his children. He said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mt 19:14) He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is our Father who will love us forever. We are safe in his arms. No one can snatch us out of his hands. Praise Jesus for his fatherly love.

Fifth, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The Jewish people have a great word for peace. It's Shalom. Shalom is not the absence of conflict. It is a state of contentment, safeness, satisfaction, completeness, health and blessing. Isaiah had a beautiful vision of the peace that God would bring in Isaiah 11. Even the lion and the lamb, natural enemies, would be friends: "They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:9)

Why don't we live in peace? This peace was lost due to sin. Sin broke the relationship between God and people. Sin also broke the relationship between people and people. War continues between nations, between tribes and between individuals. There is interpersonal conflict between spouses, neighbors and colleagues. Everyone wants peace. We want peace in our world and peace in our hearts. People seek inner peace in so many ways. Some seek peace through a vacation, through drugs, alcohol or immorality. Others try to forget their troubles through parties, sports, video or computer games, or music or sleeping in or some other hobby. These things may give an illusion of peace, but troubles soon come back. Dark clouds of depression and anxiety rob their joy. People have heavy hearts, weighed down by anxiety about grades, marriage, jobs, children, and an uncertain future. Where can we find peace?

Isaiah wrote in 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (NLT) God promises peace to those whose minds are stayed on him. The Prince of Peace gives us peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace promised in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Then how is Jesus the Prince of Peace? How did he bring peace to people on earth? The peace starts God’s work in our own hearts. Romans 5:1 says, "...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul declares that sinners have peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus brought this peace to us through his blood shed on the cross. This peace is given to those who accept the sacrifice of Jesus on their behalf and commit their lives to him. Paul used a word to describe this reunion of God to man and man to man. The word is "reconciliation" and it means to "get back together" (Ro 5:10-11). Through Jesus, the Prince of Peace we are brought back into a right relationship with God through the forgiveness of sin. Through Jesus, we have peace with God.

There was an angry man who hated others because he thought he was right and all others were wrong. His goal was to destroy people who didn't agree with him. To his great surprise, one day he heard a voice calling his name, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He replied, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." (Acts 9:1-18) The enemy of Christ was not destroyed. Instead he was forgiven and called. From that time on, Saul, who became better known as Paul, gave his whole heart and life to proclaim Jesus as the Christ and Son of God. Paul pleaded with people to repent and believe in Jesus and be saved. In the past he worked hard to destroy Christians. But through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and by his grace, he worked hard to save others by proclaiming in Jesus the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. Paul became a man of love and peace since he knew the Lord of Love and Prince of Peace.

May Jesus, the Great Light, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace come and dwell in our hearts, throughout our nation and the world at this Christmas time and forever.

Part l: God’s Hope For His Suffering People (8:19-9:1)

1. In a dark time, what hope did Isaiah see for his suffering people? (8:19-1a) How had God disciplined them in the past? (1b; 2Ki 15:29b) How would he honor them in the future? (1c) Read verse 2. How did Jesus fulfill this? (Mt 4:15–16)

Part ll: To Us A Child Is Born (9:3-7)

2. What good news for the nation was the prophet Isaiah bringing his people? (3–5) What lesson was learned from Midian’s defeat? (Jdg 7:19-21)How is the sign of Immanuel fulfilled? (6; 7:14) How does the birth of the child reveal God’s humility? (Php 2:5)

3. Read verse 6. Think about the meaning of each title here and how Jesus fulfills each one. (“Wonderful Counselor”: Jn 15:26; 4:1–26; “Mighty God”: Mk 4:41; Heb 1:3; Col 1:15; “Everlasting Father”: Mt 28:20; Jn 14:18; “Prince of Peace”: Jn 14:27; Lk 2:14)

4. Read verse 7. How did Jesus’ coming fulfill God’s promises to David? (2Sa7:13) Think about the characteristics of his reign: increasing, peace, justice and righteousness. How is all this accomplished? (Ro 5:1; 8:1; 2 Cor 5:18; Mt 5:44; [2 Sam 5:2; Jn 10:10; Mt 2:6] Mt 11:28-30)


5. Which of the titles of Jesus in verse 6 are especially meaningful to you at this Christmas season?

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Isaiah 7:1-8:22

Immanuel: God’s Sign

Isaiah 7:1-8:22 NIU UBF 12/5/2010 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF
Key verse 7:14 Adapted from Chicago UBF delivered 11/28/10

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

It’s coming! Christmastime 2010! This year were going to celebrate Jesus' birth with the theme, "Immanuel." This is one of the names of Jesus which means "God with us." Although the concept of "God with us" is pervasive throughout the Bible, the word "Immanuel" appears only three times, two of which are in this passage. This is where it originated, as a sign given to the people of Judah in very difficult times. It was a sign that inspired hope and faith in God, and gave clear spiritual direction during those hard times. Let us consider what "Immanuel" means to us today.

Part I: The Lord Gives The Sign Of Immanuel To Ahaz (7:1-25)

The year was 734 B.C. During this time King Ahaz ruled Judah. In contrast to his father Jotham, and his son, Hezekiah, Ahaz was an evil king. He worshiped idols, as northern Israel's kings had done. He even offered his own sons in the fire to false gods. This evil influence spread throughout Judah. Because of this idol worship, the Lord punished Judah by letting the king of Aram defeat her in battle (2 Chr 28:5). A stinging defeat should have led Ahaz to repent and seek the Lord with all his heart. However, he did not. Then Ephraim, that is northern Israel, allied with Aram. When King Ahaz heard this, his heart was shaken like trees of the forest are shaken by the wind (2). He felt that his reign would end. All of Judah became shaken with him. Fear inundated the land. People imagined defeat, devastation and enslavement. They were totally defeated, even before the fighting. This is the fruit of idolatry. When people turn from God to idols they become harassed by their enemies and fearful. Fearful people become irrational and helpless. However, at this time, God came to the people of Judah. God was with them when they were too fearful to come to God. Let's see how the Lord helped them.

First, the Lord's promise in a crisis (1-12). One day, Ahaz went out to the aqueduct of the Upper Pool (1). Perhaps he was inspecting Jerusalem's water supply, counting the days until people would die of thirst. Ahaz had made no attempt to meet the Lord. But the Lord took the initiative and went to Ahaz. It was God's grace. The Lord spoke through Isaiah, giving a message of comfort: "Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid." (4a) The Lord spoke kindly and tenderly to calm his fear. The Lord called his enemies "two smoldering stubs of firewood." (4b)Though they were fierce and mighty in Ahaz's eyes, they were small in the sight of God. Their power was nearly extinguished. God knew that their great boasts were nothing but empty words.

Then the Lord made a promise. Look at verses 7-9a. "Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'It will not take place, it will not happen, for the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is only Rezin...The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son.'" Rezin was an idol worshiper from Aram. Pekah was merely Remaliah's son. Remaluah, his father had taken the throne in Samaria, in a bloody coup. He was like any worldly ruler. Despite their boasts, the fact was that Rezin and Pekah were mere ungodly men. God was not with them.

In contrast, the Lord is the Sovereign Ruler of nations. The Lord raises human rulers and deposes them. The Lord had revealed this clearly in Israel's history. Verses 2,13 refer to the "house of David." The Lord had raised David as a shepherd king of his people to be a model for all future kings. Those who shared David's faith were blessed by God. The Lord had promised David that one of his descendants would sit on his throne forever and reign in justice and righteousness (2 Sam 7:12-13). This was part of God's world salvation plan. The Lord is in control of history; not men like Rezin and Pekah. God had allowed Judah to become weak, for he was punishing Ahaz's idol worship. But he would preserve the nation and the line of David for his own salvation purpose. And so the Lord would not allow Judah to disappear. God is faithful. God keeps his promises. God is Almighty. God rules heaven and earth by his power and wisdom. God would carry out his plan of salvation without fail. Though Ahaz had sinned greatly, the Lord wanted him to repent and live by faith and experience God's victory.

It is very important to keep our faith in God Almighty. We should see nations of the world through the lens of God's sovereign rule. The Sovereign Lord established America through our forefathers' Bible-believing faith to be "a city on a hill," "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." When we examine some historical documents, we can find that early Americans made covenants with God in establishing their governments, beginning with the Mayflower Compact. American forefathers invited God to dwell with them and rule over them. The Lord used America as a missionary sending nation. We have a history full of God's blessing. However, in recent decades, America has turned to other gods…the gods of money, pleasure, sex, military power, and so on. Consequently, many people are fearful, anticipating national economic collapse, sudden terrorist attacks, Islamic world domination, more broken families, and random acts of violence, among other things.

In so many ways, our Lord has been disciplining us. We should not see our problems from a human point of view. In the midst of it all, we should see the Lord, the Sovereign Ruler, who wants to bring us back to him. He promised us that when we humble ourselves, pray and turn from our wicked ways, he will hear our prayers and heal our land. (2 Chron 17: 14-16) The Sovereign Lord can help us. We must have faith in God and stand by faith in times of trial.

The Lord gave a wonderful message of comfort and encouragement to Ahaz. All Ahaz needed to do was accept it with faith. But there is no record of a response from Ahaz. In fact, he ignored the Lord. Whenever kings ignored God's prophets, it brought about tragedy (1 Sam 15:26; 16:14). However, the Lord was patient. Verse 10 says, "Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz." This time the Lord invited Ahaz to ask for a sign to confirm the promise. He could ask anything, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights. The Lord humbled himself to make this offer. However, using biblical language and sounding very holy, Ahaz rejected God's offer. It was foolish.

As Isaiah spoke to Ahaz, his son Shear-Jashub was with him as the Lord had directed. The boy a part of the message from God. "Shear-Jashub" means "a remnant will return." This name reveals a characteristic of God's history. God always preserves a remnant of people who are faithful to him, even during times of spiritual and moral decline. Paul said, "So, too, at the present time, there is a remnant chosen by grace" (Ro 11:5). We should realize that the Lord has his remnant in our time, too. This remnant reveals that God is working in our times to fulfill his world salvation purpose. There are many remnant people among us. We can believe that there is a remnant among college students today who will accept God's gracious promise with faith and follow Christ.

Second, the Lord gives a sign (13-25). The Lord did not leave Ahaz alone. The Lord rebuked his unbelief and gave him a sign. Look at verse 14. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." The Lord gave Ahaz a sign despite his refusal. The Lord is Sovereign Ruler. He rules human history, and especially his chosen people, despite all their mistakes, sins, rebellion and unbelief. God is with his people to the end. We cannot refuse to respond to God.

The Lord's sign was the birth of a child to a virgin. The boy would be called "Immanuel," which means, "God with us." Like many signs, this one was two-fold. It would be fulfilled immediately, and also in the future. In Isaiah's time, it supported God's promise of deliverance from their enemies. The baby boy was like a time piece. When he reached a certain age, Aram and Ephraim would vanish, laid waste by Assyria (15-16). Whenever their enemies made noise, all the people had to do was look at the little baby boy who was growing and playing. This would remind them of God's promise of deliverance. God's sign gave them peace and hope in the midst of troubles. What God really wants his people to believe is that he is with us.

If the narrative stopped here, it would be good news for Ahaz. But it does not. Ahaz's stubborn unbelief had tried God's patience. So God added to his original prophecy a punishment for Ahaz. In verse 17, the Lord foretold that the king of Assyria would attack Ahaz and Judah. It would be worse than anything Judah had experienced since Ephraim broke away from Judah. Isaiah described Judah's shameful and humiliating defeat by comparing it to having an enemy shave one's head and legs and beards (20). The land would be so devastated that only briars and thorns would grow there (23-25). Their economy would be devastated. Their wealth would be lost (23). Due to Ahaz's idol worship, unbelief and rebellion, Judah was nearly devastated.

What was Ahaz's problem? Ahaz rejected the Lord's help because he wanted to get help from Assyria (2 Chr 28:16-21). Ahaz was so eager to do this that he gave temple furnishings, to the king of Assyria as presents. These furnishings had been dedicated to the holy God. He could not trust in God because he trusted in Assyria. Practically speaking, he worshiped the king of Assyria. What happened? 2 Chronicles 28:20 says: "Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help." The Lord had warned him, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all" (9b). When Ahaz did not receive the sign of Immanuel with faith, it became a message of impending judgment. The only way to salvation is to firmly trust in the Lord, who alone can save us from all our trials and troubles. If we trust in anything else--be it money, science, technology, or military power, we will be defeated and humiliated, perhaps by the very thing we trusted in.


Part ll: Sign Of Immanuel Given To Isaiah. Accepted With Faith (8:1-22)

Isaiah is contrasted to Ahaz in this passage, for Isaiah accepted the sign of Immanuel with faith. Let's see how it affected him, his family, and his people. First, the Lord blessed and used Isaiah's family (1-4;18). Verses 1-4 tell us that the promised sign was immediately fulfilled through Isaiah and his family. They, in turn, would be signs to Judah (18). Look at verse 1. Isaiah wrote the name "Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz" on a large scroll. He had it notarized by credible witnesses. (Like a public notary today). Their signatures and the date would testify that God had given Isaiah his prophecy in advance. This would ultimately teach the people of Judah to trust God's word more than powerful nations around them. For the next step in fulfilling the sign, a virgin needed to bear a child. Apparently, Isaiah perceived that he needed to fulfill this prophecy personally. So he went to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. This prophetess must have been a virgin. Scholars speculate that Isaiah's first wife, the mother of "Shear-Jashub," had died and Isaiah married a second time. So the virgin conceived and bore a child. This child was not conceived by the Holy Spirit, but by a human father, Isaiah. Still, the virgin gave birth to a child. The Lord gave him the name "Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz." His name means "quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil." The Lord promised that before this boy could say, "Daddy," or "Mommy," the nations which were threatening Judah would be plundered by Assyria.

Here we should appreciate the Lord being with Isaiah's family. The Lord was deeply involved in their most intimate relationships. The Lord himself named their children. When Isaiah called out: "Shear-Jashub," "Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz," it proclaimed that God was with his people, either to bless or to punish. This kind of intimacy was possible when the family members accepted the Lord's sovereign rule and obeyed his directions by faith. The true meaning of "Immanuel" challenges us. It means that the Lord wants to invade our most intimate privacy. The Lord wants to participate in every aspect of our personal and family lives, and to dwell together with us. When the Lord is with us, it is not so that we may use him for our purpose. It is so that he may use us for his purpose. Families ruled by the Lord in love are the best testimony to his presence in a broken world.

I thank the Lord who has been with my family to dwell with us in the past year. The Lord helped me to study the Bible faithfully and to prepare Sunday messages on the Book of Revelation and even share them with 25 hospital staff members. From this hospital ministry sprouted one group Bible study and one group Bible study leader, Jenn Kallas RN. The Holy Spirit worked through Julie enabling her to help build up the publication ministry and encourage Trish, Janice and Amanda with the word of God. God has been with us in the teaching of our children the word of God and disciplining them. The Lord blessed and used my children in various ways. For example he used Jenn and Augustine to jumpstart the FCA club on their High School. Jenn teaches the Bible, 1:1 to her friend Anais. Sarah and Hope are keeping the lamp of God burning at the middle school with their Bible reading a prayer on campus. All of them are offering up their singing talents to Jesus in various ways, most recently at the Joint Thanksgiving service. Our family is a source of blessing and encouragement to DeKalb Christian Church and their open mic night and recently at the Feed ‘Em Soup community project.

God has also been with each one of our singles too. I was pondering, “What does this mean?” Some are still struggling with grades. Some are struggling financially. Some have not gotten a job after graduation. Some are still harassed by the evil spirits or the fruit of their sins. “Immanuel –God with us” ? Is that some kind of joke? What does it mean that God is with them? It does not mean that you will be successful in every human venture that you undertake. It means God is with you. He is constantly loving you, forgiving you and hoping in you. He is using all the trials of life to train and discipline you as a true son or daughter. Life experiences, as well as opportunities in ministry are there to mold us into fruitful servants of God and ambassadors of Christ. That is God’s hope and that is what will happen if we respond well. He is keeping you in his love and in faith so that you will enter into eternal life with Jesus when the time comes. He is with you and will comfort your heart and embrace you with is love. He will be with you, to work through you, to reveal Jesus and his gospel to others. He will also provide for your needs as you see first his kingdom (Mtt 6:33). This is just the tip of the iceberg on what it means that Jesus is our Immanuel God.

During this Christmas season, let's consider the spiritual condition of our lives and our families. Let's thank the Lord for dwelling with us for the past year, in spite of our sins and mistakes. Let's invite him to dwell with us intimately in the year to come.

Second, the Lord was Isaiah's sanctuary (5-15). In verses 5-8, the Lord speaks to Isaiah regarding the coming Assyrian invasion. Some of the prophecy is a repetition. But the revelation is more detailed and contains a special message of good news for Isaiah and those who believe. The Lord would bring against Aram and Ephraim the king of Assyria, who is compared to the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates. Assyria would completely overpower them and swirl into Judah, reaching up to the neck. This foretold that only Jerusalem would remain. Its fall seemed imminent.

However, verse 8 ends with the word, "Immanuel." The Lord would be with Jerusalem in that darkest moment. He would send one of his angels to defeat the Assyrian army. The Lord delivered them from their enemies. Isaiah trusted the Lord who was with his people (9-10). He boldly invited the enemies to raise war cries and prepare for battle; he was sure that they would be thwarted. He was sure that Jerusalem would stand. It was because God was with them. When God is for us, no one can stand against us.

Though Isaiah seemed strong in faith, the Lord put his strong hand upon Isaiah to infuse him with even more inner strength. Isaiah literally felt the Mighty God upholding his inner being. It was to enable him to stand against the flooding bad influence of fear and conspiracy theories. While other people were talking about troop movements and political alliances, feeding each other's fears and anxieties, Isaiah should consider the Lord Almighty. Look at verse 13 and 14a. "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. And he will be a sanctuary...." Fear of the Lord is having an awesome respect for the Lord as the Almighty God, the Creator God, and the Holy God. He is so awesome. When we fear God in this way, our souls delight in his power, goodness, and love. We are sure to be kept safe. The Lord is our sanctuary. Though the world is going crazy due to fear, those who fear the Lord can experience peace, security and safety.

In verses 14b-15 the Lord tells the fate of those who do not fear the Lord or trust him. Whether they are from Judah or Israel does not matter. Those who do not trust the Lord will stumble, fall and be broken to pieces. This speaks to us. Many people in America identify as God's people because they have grown up in a Christian culture. Yet the time will come for each person to decide to live by faith in the Lord. Those who secretly worship idols in their hearts, while appearing as, and speaking like “good” Christians, will fall and be broken to pieces.

Third, the Lord used Isaiah as a Bible teacher and disciple maker (16-17). Isaiah's conclusion and spiritual direction can be seen in verses 16-17. He said, "Bind up the testimony of warning and seal up God's instructions among my disciples. I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." Isaiah knew that not many people would believe the word of the Lord. Still, Isaiah believed that God's word would surely be fulfilled. God would save the remnant of his people who put their trust in him. God would accomplish his world salvation plan through his people without fail. Isaiah held on to God's promise of deliverance and trusted in God alone. He also taught his disciples to do the same. They were a vast minority and rare, but they became a source of hope to future generations and the true history makers in God's redemptive work.

We can find spiritual direction here. We can learn that God being with the USA does not necessarily mean that our President, Congress and Supreme Court will be Christians. Or that the vast majority of our people will go to church on Sunday. God being with us means that God will keep his promises without fail. We believe that God has promised to raise a kingdom of priests and a holy nation among us. We believe that he will spread his kingdom in the world through shepherds and American missionaries. This does not just mean Caucasian people of European descent. Many great missionaries in America are of Korean, Indian, and Hispanic descent. The Bible assures us that the gospel will be preached to the ends of the earth, and then the end will come. That will be a glorious end for all who believe in Jesus. We should study the word of God deeply and hold on to the promises of God. We should raise disciples who believe and obey the word of God. God will work in such people and use them as his remnant.

"Immanuel" was ultimately fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus is in very nature God. But he took on human flesh and was born of a virgin to be with us. He lived among us and raised disciples, like Isaiah. Then he went to the cross and died for our sins. He removed the barrier between God and us. Now the Holy Spirit can come into our hearts and dwell through faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit protects us, guides us, assures of God's love, gives us peace and enables us to serve God boldly without fear. This makes us spiritually strong and happy. May Jesus be with each of us in this Christmas season.

Part l: The Sign Of Immanuel (7:1-25)

1. What problem did Ahaz face? (7:1–2a) What did his enemies plan? (5–6) How did Ahaz respond, and what effect did he have on his people? (2b) What did God tell Ahaz through Isaiah and his son? (3–4) What were God’s promise and warning? (7–9) As a leader, why did he need instead to stand firm in faith?

2. How did God offer to help Ahaz? (7:10–11) Why did he refuse God’s help and justify himself? (7:12; 2Ki16:5–18) How did Isaiah rebuke him? (7:13) How and why had God been patient with the house of David? (Ro2:4)

3. Despite Ahaz’s stubbornness, what sign did God himself give him? (7:14) What does “Immanuel” mean? Nevertheless, how would God use Assyria as his instrument of judgment on the land and people of Judah? (7:17–25)

4. What is the meaning of the name God asked Isaiah to write on a large scroll and name his son? (8:1–3) How was the birth of Isaiah’s second son an initial fulfillment of 7:14? What would happen while this new son was still young? (7:15–16; 8:4) Note in 8:5–10 where the word “Immanuel” is repeated. How did this word plant hope in his people?

Part ll: Do Not Fear What They Fear (8:11-22)

5. What warning did God give Isaiah? (8:11–15) Who is the one we should fear, and why? What should we do when the times around us are dark like this? (8:16–22) Note especially how God wanted to use Isaiah’s house church (8:18).

6. Read 7:14. When was this promise fulfilled, and how does this reveal God’s grace to sinners? (Mt1:23) Although kingdoms rise and fall, how does the Immanuel God reveal his sovereign reign over the world and history? Why should we put our trust and hope only in him? How has God been with us and our nation, despite our stubborn unbelief?

2 Chronicles 20:1-30

Give Thanks To The Lord

2 Chronicles 20:1–30 Thanksgiving message 11-28-2010 IIT Campus in Glen Ellyn IL
Key Verse 20:21 Triton/DuPage/NIU UBF worship service. Shep Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF
“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’”
Every family has their own Thanksgiving traditions. For us it includes a traditional Turkey meal with all the fixin’s (this year I had four) and a Joint Thanksgiving worship service. We prepare ten thanksgiving topics. Does this sound like your Thanksgiving tradition? This year we want to think about Thanksgiving in a different way. What about fixing your eyes on Jesus and giving praise and thanks to God, even before you receive anything tangible in your hands? Revolutionary you say? Indeed. Today let’s decide to face all of our problems head on and give thanks and praise, in advance, to God for what he has not yet done. What a powerful and God pleasing way to celebrate Thanksgiving!
Part l: Don’t Panic…Pray And Find God’s Direction Instead (1-4)

So what’s happening in this passage? Look at verses 1-2. Jehoshaphat was the King of Judah. He was the great-great-great-great grandson of King David and reigned in Judah from 853 to 848 B.C.. Historical enemies of Israel, joined forces to make war on Judah. They were a vast army. When Jehoshaphat heard about it, they were already marching against Judah. The news struck fear in the hearts of the people.

They were alarmed, but thankfully their king, Jehoshaphat, stood up as a true spiritual leader. Look at verse 3, “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” First, Jehoshaphat “resolved” pray. He could have panicked. He could have done nothing and despaired. Rather, he chose God’s way, resolving to inquire of the Lord (3a) forsaking all other choices in order to find God’s solution. Second, he declared a fast. This is possibly the worst military strategy. Fasting would leave the young men too weak to fight. But, from God’s point of view, prayer and fasting was the best strategy. They could devote extra time to consider their sin and pray to God for help. Hunger pangs would remind them of their weakness and dependence upon the Lord.

You would think that a call to prayer and fasting would not be popular. But not so. Look at verse 4, “The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.” People responded well. Jehoshaphat had prepared the populace mainly by appointing judges and Levites to administer the law of the LORD. (2 Chron 19:4-10) He reinstated Bible study throughout the land. Thus the peoples’ hearts were prepared for this. The prayerful study of the word of God helps people to respond to Jesus. Let us pray that Bible teachers may be raised on every campus across our land.

Judah had three enemies advancing. But we have many. Nationally, there is high unemployment; overwhelming debt; and home foreclosures. The majority of families are rocked by divorce. 40% of Americans think marriage is obsolete. There is also the sin problem. People don’t even know what sin is because they do not know God or his word. They think sin is normal and even glamorous. They live in it and though they deny sin’s existence, they still must bear its heavy toll. People are rejecting Jesus and his precious gospel en masse. I haven’t even talked about war, terrorism, pollution, abortion, violent crime; the spread of competing religions and philosophies; or the billions who are headed to eternal condemnation. We are tempted to derive “human” plans to solve our nation’s problems, such as “Cash For Clunkers”, “Wall Street Bail Outs”. Becoming alarmed, our young people attempt to solve their problems in their own way too. But do they resolve to fast and pray to Jesus? If they did, God would surely reveal to them his sure way of salvation.

Part ll: Jehoshaphat’s Prayer (5-13)

In times of crisis our prayer becomes only a desperate cry, “Oh my God!” But let’s look closely at Jehoshaphat’s prayer to learn how to pray. Take note that he stood up boldly to pray. This encouraged all the people. (5) Let’s break up the prayer into four pieces. First, he reflected on God’s character. Look at verse 6. Jehoshaphat stood, “and said: ‘LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.” The king knew who God is. He knew that God is the God of his people, Israel; that God is seated on his throne in heaven, untouched by events on earth; that God is powerful and almighty; that God is the sovereign ruler over all nations – both godly and secular and no enemy can withstand God. The more you know God personally, the more powerful a prayer servant you will become.

Second, he remembered God’s promises. Look at verse 7. “Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?’” God promised Abraham and his descendents the land of Canaan and he gave it to them. God works through history, faithfully fulfilling all of his promises to his people.

Third, he claimed God’s promise to hear prayer. Look at verses 8-9, “They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’” Years earlier, after the first Temple was built, God made a promise. 2 Chronicles 7:14–16 reads, “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” The sword of judgment was upon Judah and Jehoshaphat remembered this special promise and he claimed it in his prayer. We can claim this promise too when we humble ourselves, seek the face of Jesus and turn from our wicked ways.

Fourth, the king appealed to God’s sense of justice. Look at verses 10-12a, especially 11 & 12, “11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will you not judge them?...” Ammon, Moab and Edom flanked Judah to the east. It was inhabited by the descendants of Lot and Esau. 600 years previous, the Israelites wanted to pass through Edom peacefully. But the people would not let them. This made them mad. But Israel did not wipe them out for God had told the Israelites not to attack the Edomites. (Deut 2:4b-6, 9, 19). God was honoring his ancient promises to the descendants of Lot. And so they turned away from them. (Num 20:14-21) But now these same people were attacking and invading Judah. They had forgotten the mercy shown them earlier by God. This was not fair! The king’s sense of injustice was turned towards God in prayer. In essence Jehoshaphat was saying to God, “You have power. Please deal with this problem we are facing. For you are the God of justice.” Our God of justice knows all that is happening. He cares about you. We can pray to him and he will surely bring about a fair and equitable solution in his way and in his time.
Fifth, his prayer was offered in humility and brokenness. Look at verse 12b, “…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” He was a king and yet he confessed his helplessness and turned things over to God. We learn that we need to come to God acknowledging that we can do nothing, but God can do everything. Then we must turn our eyes upon Jesus with no agenda or demands waiting for his answer.
The families were united in prayer. Look at verse 13, “All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.” What unity! They were led by the fathers. Even the little ones participated. May God raise up house churches, families of faith, across America, where children and parents come together before the Lord to pray for our nation and where husbands stand up as spiritual leaders for their families.

Part lll: Stand Firm And See God’s Deliverance (14-17)
God was moved by the humble, unified prayers of his people and he quickly answered them. Jahaziel, a little known Levite, prophesied how the battle would be fought and won. First, they must not be afraid or discouraged. Verse 15b says, “…This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army…’” These ancient armies were known for their extreme cruelty. If Judah lost, people would die horrific deaths and loose everything. This army was too strong for Judah. How could God tell them not be afraid or discouraged? The enemies we face today are also as menacing. Dark spiritual forces want to leave us cowering in despair and fatalism. They rob us of the joy of living. Evil spirits and false prophets are keeping young hearts closed to Jesus and his Gospel truth. (Eph 6:12) As a result people are suffering and dying in their sins. If they lose this battle there are eternal consequences for they will suffer greatly in this life and must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. How can we not be afraid and discouraged? There is a way however and we will see it here.
Second, know that the battle is God’s. Let’s read verse 15c, “…For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” God had called his people to be a kingdom of Priests and a holy nation and a light to the Gentiles. He preserved Judah to send the Savior of the world, Jesus. God committed himself to his people. They are his people and he is their God. God’s reputation was at stake. He must win the battle. And so the battle is God’s. When you commit yourself to God, God commits himself to you. He, who called you, will fight for you bringing glory to himself through your life’s struggles. You simply need to commit to Jesus.
Third, they needed to confront their enemies. Look at verse 16, “Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.” To obey this they needed to overcome fears, trust God and exercise their faith. But the key reason is nestled in verse 17, “…and see the deliverance the LORD will give you,…” They could “see” the miracle that was about to happen when they obeyed God’s command. Whatever enemy that is advancing against you, confront it practically, and be ready to see the miracle that faith will bring about. Just do it!
Fourth, God wants us to stand firm. Let’s read verse 17a, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you,’” Standing firm could be the hardest thing to do when all you want to do is run away. Standing firm involves planting your two feet, firmly in place, and not moving, trusting God to deliver you. Standing firm is an imperative for, “…if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isa 7:9b) It is God who enables them to stand firm. Look at verse 17b, “…Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.” God promises to be with them. And who is this God again? Remember verse 6. God in heaven rules the world. Power and might are in his hands. There is no one who can withstand the Lord. This powerful God is our Savior. Knowing this God allows us to stand firm in Christ.
Part lV: Give Thanks And Praise to God…Even Before The Battle (18-24)
The peoples’ response was revolutionary! Look at verses 18-19, “Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.” They truly believed God’s word of promise and had a tremendous worship service. Some fell down and others stood up. They took praise and thanksgiving to the next level and worshiped God together…even before the battle.
We naturally give thanks after the battle. But thanking God before the battle, before any tangible benefits, requires pure faith. 1 John 5:14–15 reads; “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” Sometimes we pray selfish prayers. God deals with these prayers on a person to person basis. But we are all invited to pray for things that are clearly in the will of God and we know God will answer. Try it. Instead of waiting for God to answer your own prayer topics, how about believing that God will provide as you seek first his kingdom and his righteousness? that he will make you into a shepherd of God’s flock? that he will forgive you of your sins and make you more forgiving person? that he will help you grow in the image of Jesus? that God will lead you along the narrow way that leads to eternal life? What about prayers on a ministry and national level? Believe that God will make our campus’ “Christ centered” campus’; that our nation will become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation; that God will raise up many American career missionaries; that Jesus and his Gospel will have a place of prominence in the hearts of our young people. Do these inspire you to erupt in praise and worship? I hope so. We can praise God that he will surely answer these prayers in his time and in his way as we stand firm in him.
The king continually planted faith in the peoples’ hearts in verse 20. After getting up early to prepare, the king stood up and delivered a powerful daily bread message. He said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.’” Then the king placed the most powerful weapons in front of the army, a men’s choir. Look at verse 21. “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’” The people of Judah could hear the roar of the army over the trees. Many were trembling in their boots. Yet the men were singing psalms and the rest were praying. They all obeyed God, taking their eyes off the enemy and focusing on God’s holiness and love. These singing men must have totally psyched out the enemy. You may not be able to handle an M-16, like brother Carl Heusel, but all of you can give God thanks, praise and worship because of your own personal experience with God’s holiness and his love. Let’s take up these spiritual weapons and fight like true soldiers of Christ.
God remained true to his word and fought for his people. Look at verses 22-24. It was a miracle! God set ambushes. When enemy soldiers passed by a bush, “Pow”, it started on fire. POW! POW! The ambushes were very effective. The enemy forces slaughtered each other, right to the last man. They were completely defeated by God. We have many types of battles in life and ministry. God promises to be with us and fight our battles to the end when we do things God’s way.
Part V: The Fruit Of “Standing Firm” Faith (25-30)
God eventually gave his people lots of tangible things. Look at verses 25-26, “So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day.” Great plunder was left. It took three days to collect. They were surrounded by a gruesome scene, but in the midst of that darkness great joy overflowed in their hearts. They called the battlefield, “The Valley Of Praise”. God will give each one of you something tangible as long as you stand firm in Jesus, even when you are surrounded by all kinds of bad news.
Their thanksgiving and praise was carried to completion. Look at verses 27-28, “Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets.” Surely they should have scattered to have street parties in all of their towns. But they knew that their success came from God and that they could not declare, “Mission Accomplished” before coming to God at his dwelling place to give him thanks and praise.
The best plunder was peace. Look at verses 29-30, “The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” By God’s grace, Judah came to enjoy a time of peace. They prospered, planting crops that weren’t plundered; sleeping at night without fear of home invasions; enjoying their sons’ presence at home without war; trading with neighboring countries gaining wealth. Indeed peace is one of the best gifts from God. Our inner struggles leave our hearts weary and burdened. According to verse 30, God wants to give us peace on every side as stand firm in his love and holiness. This peace is not the peace that the world gives. It is God’s special peace given to his people of faith. Listen to the promise of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” In the context of this passage, Jesus’ yoke is praying and fasting, obeying God by confronting the things that assail our hearts, focusing on God’s holiness and love and trusting God-standing firm in our faith. May God grant you his peace on all sides this Thanksgiving and always.
Over the last 25 years of being in Christ, God has fought many a battle for me. Let me share a couple of them with you. My first great battle was family misunderstanding. My parents loved me but initially did not understand my decision to follow Jesus. A battle ensued that lasted for five long years. I shed tears. But God gave me his word in Genesis 15:1b, “Do not be afraid, Kevin, I am your shield, your very great reward.” God helped me to stand firm by remaining true to my calling as a shepherd for campus souls while growing in Christ’s love and holiness. After 6 years God moved my family’s heart to appreciate my life and ministry. They became supportive of my family. In 2008 I took my family to my home town. We saw the grocery store that my mother managed for decades. Managing this store was her life and a symbol of my family identity. I was shocked that it had been converted into a church and Christian book store. Across the roof was a huge sign that read, “Jesus Is Lord!” God fought this battle for me and won. He did it for his glory. I am waiting for the day when my parents will accept Jesus into their own hearts.
The other battle, that God fought and won for me was the battle to establish a family. My sin had left me devoid of hope to establish a family with a holy woman of God. I was also getting along in age. What hope did I have? I could have tried to fight this battle on my own by going to a mega church where there are hundreds of possibilities to find that perfect someone on my own. But God promised to fight this battle for me, because he loved me. All I needed to do is stand firm and see the deliverance that God will bring. Standing firm meant for me to continue serving God as shepherd and Bible teacher and entrusting everything to God. I found comfort in Jesus’ enduring love living as a single. God had in mind what he was going to. One day he brought Julie into my life. I did not fight for her. She just arrived. And in 1992 we married and established our family. God has given me lots of plunder from this battle. These are just a few battles that God has fought for me. There has been many.
If God’s wills it I could have another 50 years serving God. There will be different battles and fears. I will face health issues, financial crunches, relational battles, battles against sin and temptation, with fatalism and despair and times of deep sorrow and loss. But I thank God that I can find life long direction through this passage. He has fought and won the battle time and again for me in the past and he will surely do it in the future for he is God and he can do it. Praise Jesus!
In the midst of our many crisis’ let’s not panic, but resolve to turn to God in prayer. Seek and follow God’s direction, deciding to stand firm depending on Jesus alone. Be a revolutionary! In the face of impossible situations thank and praise God for what he is going to do. Then, in God’s right time and in God’s way, you will witness the victory he will bring about in your life. He will open up the flood gates of heaven and pour out so much spiritual blessing that you will not have room enough for it. The things menacing your soul will be completely defeated by God. The best blessing you will receive is the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding as you enter eternal life with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let’s read our key verse together, verse 21, ““After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’”
Part l: Jehoshaphat’s Prayer (1-13)

1. What was the very challenging problem facing Judah? (1–2) What did King Jehoshaphat resolve? (3) What did the people of Judah do? (4)

2. In his prayer, what did King Jehoshaphat say about God? (5–7) What was the unique function of the Jerusalem temple? (8–9; cf. 7:14–16) How did he pray about the injustice of Israel’s enemies? (10–12a) How did he depend on God? (12b) How were the people united in prayer? (13)

Part ll: Stand Firm And See God’s Deliverance (14-30)

3. What encouraging message from God did Jahaziel give to King Jehoshaphat and the nation? (14–17) How did each group respond, and why? (18–19) What did King Jehoshaphat do, and how did he encourage his people? (20)

4. Read verse 21. Why did Jehoshaphat appoint singers? For what were they to praise God? What can we learn here about the power of thanksgiving before facing a problem? (Mk11:24; 1Jn5:14–15)

5. What did God do for his people, and how did they enjoy God’s blessing? (22–30) What influence did this have on the surrounding nations? Summarize the faith of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. At this Thanksgiving, how can you apply this faith to your practical life and ministry?