A delayed conclusion to a post from a month ago! Concluding a few thoughts from 2 Chronicles today. In looking over chapter 20. I can easily see these themes of surrender, listening, obedience and worship.
Surrender:
2 Chronicles 20:3, "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed they came from every town in Judah to seek him."
Listen:
20:12, "O our God, will you not judge them? 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 upon you."
Obey:
20:15-17, "This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 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. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you."
20:20b, "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."
Worship:
20:21-22, "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.'
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
20:26b, "...they praised the Lord..."
20:27-28, "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. They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps and lutes and trumpets."
Other things of interest:
20: 13, "All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord." It strikes me as beautiful and lovely that families came together to seek the Lord. It was a family event.
20:29-30 - the beautiful benefits of this progression, "The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side."
I love to pause in a situation and try to walk through these things: surrender, listen, obey, worship. It is such a beautiful circle of coming to Jesus and receiving His peace and leading.
