The Weekly Word with Dr. Dowe: The Battle
“Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up…But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory!...”. 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (NLT)
Have you been in a situation that left you exhausted? Have you questioned whether to go to the right or to left, yet numbed to do anything? Have you ever fasted when disaster hits you face on? It’s amazing how hunger pains help remind you of human weaknesses and a need for God’s help.
In today’s scripture above, we find Jehoshaphat had just gotten word that a vast army from Edom was about to attack and destroy him along with the city of Judah where he was King. Can’t we relate with such a story today as we face disastrous situations like loneliness, inadequacies, joblessness, temptations, overeating, pornography, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, overspending… and other ‘rulers …of the unseen world’ ? (Ephesians 6:12). Historically, this chapter in second Chronicles highlights the history of the southern Kingdom of Judah. Judah’s history mostly involves judgments of corrupt and idolatrous Kings that eventually lead to destruction and captivity. BUT, the bible says in 2 Chronicles 20:32, Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. Jehoshaphat was not perfect but he sought the Lord before he made judgments. As a good leader, let’s consider his traits:
Judged carefully and fairly: Leaders think slowly before pronouncing judgment and do not judge to please people but to please God. (v.6)
Judge with integrity: Leaders choose people with honest, capable hands to help in the work. No leader can do the job by their selves. The job is usually vast and involves others. (v.7)
Judge with faithfulness. Faithful leaders make sure the job gets done in God’s way and time. (v. 9)
Judge with the ‘Fear of God’. A good leader shows reverence to God, a humbleness that comes from God that shows no partiality, bribes nor an undivided heart. (v. 9)
Jehoshaphat summarizes in 2 Chronicles 19:11, “then…the Lord will be with those who do what is right”. He went on to win the battle; a time followed where the people turned and followed God and had peace in the land. It says in 2 Chronicles 20: 27, “ with Jehoshaphat leading the men, they were overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies…it took them 3 days to collect the vast amounts of equipment, clothing and other valuables that their enemies left behind; so much was left they couldn’t carry it all! Sing praises, shout victory when God fights your battles. Amen.
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Be Blesses, Be Healthy,
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