Vital Necessity (Part 3)
The event of 2 Chronicles 20 continues to teach us this week. We have seen that King Jehoshaphat required the Lord as his “Vital Necessity". When faced with his enemies coming against his nation on every side, He cried out to the Lord. “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on you!”
Brace yourself! Sit down! Throw away your list and listen to the answer that came from the Lord. Make it your own today!
After Jehoshaphat and his people prayed and sought the Lord, the word of God came. He answered calming their fears and taking on the battle as his own. Then God laid out step by step the most shocking battle strategy.
March down against them
You will find them in this location
You will not have to fight this battle
Take up your positions
Stand firm
See the deliverance the Lord will give you
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Go out and face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.
Jehoshaphat’s humble response is contagious. He bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people followed his example worshiping the King. As they pulled themselves from the dust they stood and praised the Lord with a very loud voice.
Vital Necessity had spoken. Vital Necessity declared He would fight this one.
He spoke. They worshiped. He acted.
Jehosophat set his army in place. They looked a bit different than expected. Horses, weapons, artillery, battle plans were not necessary. Only the choir! I picture this glorious choir and praise ensemble marching forward like the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. At the front of the army, they begin to sing to the Lord and praise him for the splendor of His holiness. Go ahead, you can join in:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” V. 21
As the sound of worship rose, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy and they were all defeated. You read it right!
Worship scattered the enemy!
This one was not to be quickly forgotten. They assembled in the Valley of Beracah (Blessing) and praised the Lord. The victory of the Lord brought the fear of God on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” (v. 29-30)
I sense a new choir gathering together. We face a great spiritual battle that can only be fought in the spirit. Let’s be caught with our faces to the ground calling on the name of the Lord. Let’s be caught worshipping, not complaining. Let’s watch and see the deliverance of the Lord. Let’s loudly proclaim His goodness and His Authority!
“Let the people praise You, O God, let all the people praise You!” Ps. 67:5