Careful Thought

The pastor nailed it today with his discussion of Jehoshaphat. J-phat was one of the early kings of Judah and his story is told in 2 Chronicles. We’ve been looking at his life for a few weeks, but today the pastor focused on the king’s response to news of a pending massive attack from Edom, Moab, and some other ne’er-do-wells from the south (probably Meunites). [This episode is recounted in 2 Chron 20, if you're following along.] When the bearers of bad news passed the word to the king, J-phat was understandably alarmed, but instead of doing the chicken dance and and flying into a panic, he prayed. And he didn’t just pray, he declared a fast and called the entire nation to pray. And they did. When Jehoshaphat stood before his people to offer prayer at the temple it was not a plea for quick deliverance or an “I know I’ve sinned, but please get me out of this one” prayer. When the enemies of God and of Israel were making tracks toward Jerusalem, J-phat matter-of-factly laid out the case before the Father, trusting Him and reminding Him that He had promised to care for the nation of Israel and that he (J-phat) was powerless before his enemies apart from God.

“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.” (2 Chron 20:12b)

Ya know what? God delivered His people (again) without the king or his armies having to lift a sword. In fact, God told them that they would be delivered without having to fight. All they had to do was step in after the armies of the south had destroyed each other to gather up the spoils. J-phat and his people trusted in God and He was faithful. In fact, after the people lugged all the booty home, J-phat led his people straight to the temple to offer praise to God. My first response to turmoil is rarely to turn to God. Instead, I try to thrash my way though — and generally make a mess of things. When will I learn that God is faithful?

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