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2 Chronicles Chapter 20 (ESV)
1 After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord…
13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s…
22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.
24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped.
REFLECTION:
- Judah was facing national calamity. Jehoshaphat commanded all the people of Judah to fast before God for a period of time. They saved the time for preparing and eating meals to focus on self-examination and repentance, and asking God for help. Suffering of hunger makes us think about sin, reminds us of our weaknesses, and helps us to rely on God more. Fasting is still an effective means that helps us seek for God’s will in special situations nowadays. Have you experienced fasting and prayer? If not, will you consider to try it on praying for some important matter?
- When enemies approached Judah, God spoke comforting words through Jahaziel, telling the people victory depends on God, not on man. Although we don’t have to fight our enemies with sword and gun nowadays, we have to battle with difficulties, pressure, and temptations from Satan. Satan wants us to rebel against God but please remember that as Christians, God’s spirit is dwelling in us. When we face struggles and ask God for help, He will fight for us and we are more than conquerors through Him. Are you in the midst of a spiritual battle? Have you asked God to fight this battle for you?
PRAYER:
Cast all your weakness and burden to God and admit to God that your strength is very limited. Pray to God to let His power work freely within us so that we can have victory over our fear and weakness. Ask for God’s grace to help you fight your battle daily.
HYMN:
“In Christ Alone” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWiFYJMGas0
