Go Out Among The People And Appoint Bible Teachers
2 Chronicles 19:1-11 (Also read 2 Chronicles 20) 2010 New Years Message Key Verse: 19:4-5 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 1/2/11
“Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their ancestors. 5 He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.”
Here we are standing at the cusp of 2011. What a great year 2010 was. There was so much work of God that went on among us last year. It became very clear through the 2010 power point that was shown at the Triton UBF New Year’s celebration. This is also the time that we prepare New Year’s key verses for ourselves and for our ministries. This year I realized that at NIU UBF ministry their was a definite spiritual need for us to go out among the people of NIU and DeKalb and share with them the love of Jesus and the word of God. There is also a need for Bible teachers to be raised up because it is only through the words of life from the Bible that real, lasting change and rock solid faith can be manifest in our hearts. And so in this passage we will learn about one king who had God’s vision for his people. He went out among his people and appointed sincere Bible teachers who could plant God’s word in the hearts of the populace. His intent was to turn the hearts of his people back to the God of the Bible. His intent was to turn the hearts of his people back to the God of the Bible. Because he did this the people of Judah were united in faith and purpose and were able to stand against and invincible foe and win a great victory. May you catch the vision of God and decide, by faith, to go out among the people of your mission-field and faithfully plant the word of God in their hearts through 1:1 Bible study.
Part l: A Humble King Who Set His Heart To Seek God (1-3)
Jehoshaphat accepted a rebuke when he made a big mistake. Look at verses 1-3,“When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, 2 Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is on you. 3 There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God.” Jehoshaphat made an unholy alliance and was almost killed in battle. When he returned, he was rebuked for making an alliance with those who hated the Lord. From these words we find see that God hates it when we make unholy alliances with the people of this world. We also learn that God not only calls us out according to our sin, but he also sees the good in us.
Part ll: Go Out Among The People (4)
The amazing thing is that the king accepted the rebuke, and set his heart on seeking the Lord. He is the king. He could have had Jehu arrested and executed as Herod had done to John the Baptist. But he did not. He exhibited true humility. True humility is to humbly stand before the word of God and repent before it with no excuse. May God raise up humble leaders among us in 2011.
Jehoshaphat’s repentance was practical. Look at verse 4, “Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their ancestors.” Though he was a king, he had a heart for the people. He did not just sit in his ivory palace. He made an effort to go out and be among the people and give them what they really needed the most, the word of the Lord. He knew that they needed to turn their hearts back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.
Turning their hearts back to God would surely solve a myriad of problems, both personally and nationally. When our hearts are turned to God, then our love problems and our death problem is solved. We no longer live in sorrow, fear and despair. We are not longer wandering in the darkness. We can enter into loving and harmonious and constructive relationships with others around us. We are set free from the bondage to sin and we are able to do what is true and right. We can walk in the light of God and serve God and our fellow man. We can focus on what is truly important. We can deny ourselves and obey the truth and be like a sharpened, well aimed arrow that is able to hit its target. We can bear fruit that is truly beneficial and meaningful and lasts forever. Turning our hearts back to the Lord is more profitable than winning the lottery. I don’t understand why everyone does not turn their hearts back to the Lord Jesus.
Jesus is the best example of going out among his people. Jesus is God almighty. He lives in the kingdom of heaven. But he gave up all the glory of the kingdom of God and became man and dwelt among us. To do so he was born in abject poverty, as a tiny baby in manger. He was born in Roman occupied land, ruled by a tyrant, where Satan was waiting to take his life. It was so difficult, but he came. At the onset of his ministry, Jesus went out among the people. He came to a lonely and selfish tax collector and became his friend and invited him to follow him. He went to a dinner party full of sinners. He went to a wedding. He came to Zacchaeus and became his friend and visited his house. Jesus touched lepers. He purposely walked through Samaria to minister to one Samaritan woman. He hung out with some rough and tough fisherman. He spent time with his disciples every day for 3 ½ years. He preached to thousands and ministered to one. He gave it all up in order save us from our sins and bring us to everlasting life in the kingdom of God. His coming to be among his people is best described in John 1:14. “The word become flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory the glory of the one and only who came from the father full of grace and truth.”
Paul went out among the people. He made tents to support himself. He worked side by side with other tent makers, like Pricilla and Aquila. All the time he was sharing the gospel with them. Much of his ministry was more deliberate. He purposely went into the synagogues and reasoned with the Jews. He went to small house churches and taught the disciples. He set up a Bible school in the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus and taught every day for two years. Paul went out among the people.
There are forces at work that make us alone and isolated. Satan wants us to be isolated from each other, imprisoned in our own personal electronics. We don’t want to be bothered by anyone. Even Christians don’t want to get out among the people. They like to be around their own circle of friends, people whom they like and who are like them. Is this the example that Jesus has shown? He came to dwell among sinners. He gathered around him, sinners. They were not like the holy God, Jesus. Would you do that? Let’s ask ourselves in 2011, “How can I go out and be among the people?”
Part lll: Sincere Spiritual Leaders (5-11)
Jehoshaphat called leaders who had specific qualities. First, these judges needed to have a fear of God. Look at verse 5, “He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. 6 He told them, ‘Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 7 Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.’” These men had the fear of the Lord. They were not just afraid that the Lord was going to punish them whenever they made a mistake. To fear God meant that they had a deep respect for God and a strong desire to do what was right before him. The fear of the Lord is a good thing. Listen to a few verses. Proverbs 19:23, “ The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Psalm 111: 10 reads, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” God wants us to have a fear of the Lord because he wants the best for us. There are so many good things that come from having a fear of the Lord. If we want wisdom, contentment, understanding, long life, a strong foundation, lots of knowledge that leads to salvation, and our churches to grow in number, then we must seek to possess the fear of the Lord.
To have fear of God is an attitude. It is manifest through a decision. It also comes from knowing who God is. When we behold God, with the eyes of our hearts, through faith then we will have a fear of God. God is the almighty creator God. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. He came to save us from our sins. When we know this God from our hearts then we can be servants of God with a fear of God.
Second, these judges could not tolerate injustice or bribery. Look at verse 7 again, “Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” How easy it is for people who are in power to become corrupt and take bribes and deny people true justice. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. But servants of God must be different. They must be like God and be just and do not show partiality or take no bribes. They cannot be looking out for their own benefits, but only for the glory of God and the good of the people. May God raise such servant leaders across our land.
Third, the judges needed to be faithful. Let’s look at verses 8-9, “In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9 He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.” God is faithful. He has faithfully been working throughout history to fulfill his salvation plan. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb 13:8) His love never changes. He words never changes. His mission never changes. Jesus is faithful and so must be his people. To do so we need to hold onto the words of Matthew 6:33 which read, “But seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Fourth, the judges needed to serve God wholeheartedly. Look at verse 9, “He gave them these orders: ‘You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.’” God wants us to serve him wholeheartedly. Deuteronomy 6:5 reads, “Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength?” It is not easy to do things whole heartedly. In the past I trained in taekwondo. In tournaments I was exhausted to the point of nausea. I tore a muscle in my leg. My feet were a bed of bruises. Once I ran track and became delirious and swerved off the track. I was giving my whole heart. Those who give their whole hearts can get A’s in school. They can accomplish great things. The more we learn Jesus the more we learn to give our whole heart to the things that God wants us to do. We can decide to live for the glory of God.
Fifth, the judges needed to tell it like it is. Look at verse 10. “In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.” We see many servants of God throughout the whole Bible who told the people like it is. John the Baptist was one of these people. One day crowds were coming out to him to be baptized. You would think that John the Baptist would praise them for their courageous decision to come to God publically. But listen to what he said to them in Luke 3:7-9, “John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.’” You would think that everyone would leave saying, “I’m never going to this guy’s church.” But instead they responded well. They asked, “What should we do then?” And John told each group how each of them should repent practically. Jesus also did not mince his words when it came to preaching the word of God. Right at the onset of his ministry Jesus proclaimed the good news. He stated, “The time has come, The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.” Of course you need wisdom to tell people how it is. You need to build a trust relationship with them. You need to pray a lot. You need to frame all that you say around the word of God. You can not deal with all the issues at once. God will give you wisdom. But you must always have on your mind, as a shepherd, that you must tell it the way it is. Then you can be servant of the word of God.
Why must we constantly warn people? We can avoid becoming objects of God’s wrath. Look at verse 10b, “…otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.” Our nation will suffer a lot if there are not Christians who clearly speak the truth and warn people about the destructive nature of their sins. People need to know the way to green pastures and quiet waters. They need to know how to get off the broad road that leads to destruction and get onto the narrow way that leads eternal life. They need to know how to enter into the right relationship with God and have eternal life. They need to know how not to be objects of God’s wrath, but rather recipients of God’s blessings and love. Servants of the word of God must tell them. If we do not then it is sin.
Sixth, the judges needed to humbly submit and co-work together. Look at verse 11a, “ Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be over you in any matter concerning the king, and the Levites will serve as officials before you…” They were part of a team. They submitted to authority and they co-worked together. These words remind me of the words of the Roman Centurion. Matthew 8:8-10. “The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” And what did Jesus say? Verse 10 reads, “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” He knew the nature of faith and the relationship he need to have with God and with his fellow soldiers. Within the church of Jesus, there is no other way. There must be humble submission and teamwork. I thank God for such teamwork between us and Triton UBF co-workers in our New Years Eve celebration.
Seventh, the judges needed courage. Look at verse 11b, “…Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.” It takes courage to do what Jehoshaphat was telling them to do. Some needed to relocate, putting their own plans on hold. They needed to commute, spend money and time. They needed to give up things and opportunities to follow God’s path. They need to face persecution from those who were opposed to the word of God and the work of God. It took great courage indeed. But those who held onto faith and word of God, could answer the call of God to courageously go out among the people, with faith that God is with them.
Part lV: The Nation Needed Bible Study
To understand why a nation needs Bible study we need to see the effects of Jehoshaphat’s policies in chapter 20. God, who knows the end form the beginning, knew what was needed to overcome the enemy that would soon be at their doorstep. Look at 2 Chronicles 20:1-2, ““1 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi).” 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. But, because of the spiritual policies that Jehoshaphat implemented, they were able to be unified through faith. 20:4 reads,” The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.” Their whole families were united. Look at verse 13, “All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.” Even the young one and the teenagers were there. They had wisdom to respond with fasting and prayer instead of panicking. And at the crucial moment, when it was so hard to obey the Lord, they did what was impossible to do. Look at 20:17, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” They obeyed God. As a nation they gave thanks to Lord, even before the battle, and they stood before their enemy and they saw the complete deliverance that the Lord gave to them. The Lord fought for them. They went home rejoicing with wagons full of plunder. It was all because of God. God worked through Jehoshaphat’s spiritual policy of going throughout the land and raising up Bible teachers to minister among the people.
I experienced the wisdom of this same policy in my life. God new what was a head for me. He knew that without Jesus and the word of God, I would be completely lost in my sins. My heart and my mind would be plagued by the darkness. He knew that I would poison my mind, my heart and my body with many vices. He knew that if I continued on my hedonistic lifestyle I would not be equipped to compete in a tough economy. He knew that without his grace my kids could not but become victims of sin, as I had become. He especially knew that if I did not repent of my sins, I would have to stand before the judgment seat of God and have to face eternal condemnation for all of my sins. God knew that I would never respond spiritually to the spiritual forces that were coming to assail my soul. The old Kevin could never have stood firm in the Lord and given thanksgiving to God even before the battle. I would have tried to fight humanly. I would have kept trying to save myself. I would have depended on human psychology. But eventually would have become introverted and alone, hunkering down, trying to survive alone in this hard world. I would have eventually perished in my sins.
God knew this and he cared about me and so he sent a Bible teacher to me. God had appointed Msn Ruth Hwang to go among the young people of Canada in order to plant the word of God in their hearts. She acted with courage and came to me with the words of life. She prayed for me and trained me to be a disciple of Jesus. She helped me to be a campus shepherd. She taught me how to live in the fear of the Lord and what it means to be faithful and to give my heart to follow Jesus. I met Jesus through her ministry. God was preparing me for crucial spiritual battles that were coming.
In chapter 20, Judah had three enemies advancing. But we have many. We are tempted to derive “human” plans to solve our nation’s problems. Becoming alarmed, our young people attempt to solve their problems in their own way too. But if they don’t stop to listen to the word of God from the mouths of faithful and devoted servants of God who fear the Lord, they will not be able to stand as a people of God. Ministries will not be able to stand the spiritual onslaught that is coming upon our young people. We must make a spiritual decision to accept the word of God and also answer the call of God to be faithful and devoted servants of the word of God, who teach the gospel with a fear of God in their hearts.
We have learned so much in this passage. We learned to come outside of our comfort zone and go out among the people and turn them back to the God of the Bible. We also learned the qualities of servants of God’s word. They had a fear of God; they were not corrupted; they were faithful; they served wholeheartedly; they told it like it is; they humbly submitted and co-worked; they had courage and faith that God was with them. God can work powerfully through such people of faith. God wants to prepare us to fight present and future spiritual battles and win. He wants us to taste victory in our lives He wants us to be with him in his kingdom forever. It all begins when we turn our hearts back to the Lord.
Part l: A Humble King Who Set His Heart To Seek God (1-3)
1. What did Jehosphaphat do that Jehu had to come and rebuke him for it? (2 Chr 18) How did God view this? What did he see in the heart of the king? What does this teach us about God?
Part ll: God Out Among The People (4)
2. How did Jehoshaphat show his repentance? What did it mean that he went out among the people? How is this difficult?
3. What did the king do when he was among the people? Who is the God of their ancestors? How is it possible to accomplish this task? How can you go out among your people and turn their hearts to the Lord?
Part lll: Sincere Spiritual Leaders (5-11)
4. What is the first characteristic of a judge? (7) What does it mean to fear the Lord? How can we grow to fear God?
5. What are the second and third characteristics of a judge? (7b) Why it so hard to not become corrupted? How can practice this? What does it mean to be faithful? How can we be a little more faithful to Jesus?
6. What are the fourth and fifth characteristics of a judge? What does it mean to serve wholeheartedly? (Deut 6:5) Have there been examples in your life when you did something wholeheartedly? How can we be Bible teachers who “tell it like it is”?
7. What are the sixth and seventh characteristics of a judge? What are some of the ways that you can humbly co-work with others? How is God calling you to have courage in your walk with Jesus?
8. What did God have in mind when he appointed judges and Levites to teach the word of God? (2 Chr 20) What does this teach us about God? What does God see lurking ahead in your life that he wants to protect you from or equip you to fight?
Showing posts with label 2 Chronicles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2 Chronicles. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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?
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?
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