Got Peace?

When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the LORD himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. [2 Chronicles 20.29-30]

Jehoshaphat and all of Judah experienced a great victory in this story found in 2 Chronicles 20. There is much to those who believe in God to learn from this story.

We all want peace, right?

The first event of importance surrounding this event was the notification that trouble was coming:

Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) [2 Chronicles 20.2]

There is never a shortage of bad news. Is it just me, or does it always seem like there is "a fly in the ointment?" It just seems like there is always something looming to cause trouble.

Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the LORD’s help. [2 Chronicles 20.3-4]

In the verse above we see in very few words a very mighty solution. Jehoshaphat went immediately to God. Not only that, but Jehoshaphat also instructed all the people of Judah to do likewise - specifically to begin fasting and praying. And, the people of Judah did just that.

What Jehoshaphat and Judah prayed however is critical:

Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the LORD. He prayed, “O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ [2 Chronicles 20.5-9]

The people declared what they knew to be true about God! They rehearsed it if you will. They reminded themselves and each other that God is God and Not only was He in control, but that He had proven it over and again!

Stay with me...

Then, only after they had reminded themselves of Who God IS, did they put their request for help before God (verses 10-12).

But watch what happened in verses 13-14:

As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. [2 Chronicles 20.13-14]

After Judah's declarations of all God IS and had done, and then putting their problem before God, The Spirit of God came on one in their midst who first confirmed God's greatness and power to His people, but then gave direcdtion:

He said, “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 through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” [2 Chronicles 20.15-17]

So, how could the people be sure Jahaziel was speaking for God? They just knew!

How did Ahab know in 2 Chronicles 18.14 that what the prophet Micaiah said to him was wrong? He just knew. Truth bears witness in the heart.

Back to Jehoshaphat... Judah did something amazing, they put their singers and musicians out front of the army and they marched... the rest is history. They did not fight physically. They won the victory spiritually and the physical just followed suit.

And finally, the beginning verse of this message (the final verse of the chapter): Judah's victory was no secret. It was not a vague "maybe it was - maybe it wasn't God" kind of victory. No, it was significant and word soon spread. So significant were the events that took place that all who heard of it were overcome by the fear of God! And Judah had peace...

Father, help us when faced with troubles to remind ourselves first of Who You ARE! Then, as we lay our concerns before You, give us that confirmation that You are engaged in our concerns. And then, I am sure, we will know what You are saying beyond that - what we are to do (or not do). And finally we will rest in You while others see (without doubt) Your power on our behalf!