2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV) 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.
I was talking with a friend at work this week about being drafted. We live today in the era of the professional military. However, back in the old school days we were drafted, conscripted is a better word,into Uncle Sam's war machine. Your number came up and off you went.Some of us, like the author chose to join a service when my number came up; but, it was all the same, compulsory military service. Anyway, when my friend spoke of being drafted my ears perked up.
He explained to me that a battle had been joined in personal life. He had not asked for, nor had he sought this battle. It was a set of circumstances that he had not signed up for,but the enemy had spied him out anyway. He was compelled in his gut to do something. He told me he felt like he had been drafted. That ever happened to you? I would venture that we all have been "drafted" at one time or another in our lives.Our conversation this week past set me to thinking; and a couple of passages came to mind while my buddy spoke of the "war of words" swirling around these circumstances.
You know how it goes don't you? Stuff happens, opinions form and before we know it we have a fight on our hands. We see it on Facebook all the time. Back and forth, back and forth, with each post becoming more malicious and vindictive. In the end nothing is resolved, relationships are damaged or outright destroyed and the truth is buried under an avalanche of words.However, to his eternal credit, Jehosaphat took a different tack didn't he? Look at this.
The Bible speaks about a great multitude that came against Jehoshaphat FOR BATTLE. He wasn't looking for it, it just showed up. Jehoshaphat was drafted!
It also says that Jehoshaphat was afraid. But, and here it is, look at the war of words Jehoshaphat waged.He didn't rattle a sword. He didn't send a messenger(the Facebook of his day)with threats and accusations, no, no. What did he do?
2 Chronicles 20:3 (ESV) 3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
You see Jehoshaphat refused to put his hand on it.He stilled himself and decided to let God be the judge. He set his face to seek the Lord. He prayed, fasted and let God choose. What was God's response? Look at this.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (ESV) 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.”
"......stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord......"
Brothers and sisters, many times life will draft us to fight a battle not of our choosing. Our flesh will scream at us to retaliate against the attacks of the enemy in our power. To take it upon ourselves to defend our position. I know from past experience.Jehoshaphat and the children of Israel did have to "go out against them" but he Lord did the fighting. And herein lieth the lesson. We rarely, if ever have all the facts and NEVER have all the truth. GOD ALMIGHTY IS THE ONLY TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. We are best served if we take it to the Lord and stand firm, hold our position, and let the Lord do as he sees fit.
Sometimes His decision may perplex us but rest assured His decision is righteous, and we must trust Him to do the right thing. If the war of words that we wage is waged in our prayer closet, then we may be absolutely certain that we will see the salvation of the Lord no matter what. Amen? AMEN!!
Psalm 31:1-2 (ESV) 1
2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!
God Bless
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