Highlights:
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab; Ahab's false prophets; Micaiah's true prophecy; death of Ahab at Ramoth-gilead; Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat; Judah invaded by Moabites.
O our God . . . we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee (II Chr. 20:12).
Surrounded by vast enemy armies, King Jehoshaphat called for a nationwide prayer meeting. The people of Judah gathered in Jerusalem, confessed their sins, and prayed earnestly for God to protect them. A great lesson can be learned here. When things are at their worst, the only answer is to turn to God in prayer. But not just any prayer; they confessed their sins to God. They looked to the God of heaven and told Him how they had violated His Word. This victory was won because of the humility of the people who cried out to God. He hears the sincere prayers of His people. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
Then upon Jahaziel . . . came the Spirit of the Lord . . . And He said, Hearken ye, all Judah . . . Be not afraid . . . for the battle is not yours, but God's (20:14-15). Then all Judah . . . fell before the Lord, worshiping the Lord (20:18). When God truly moves on our situation, the only proper response is to offer Him heartfelt praise and worship. He is worthy of every good thing said both to and about Him, of every shout of praise, of every song of worship, of our joyous adoration. The Psalmist proclaimed: Let God be magnified (Ps. 70:4).
When misunderstandings arise, when difficulties seem insurmountable, or when the pressures of the world threaten to defeat you, put your trust in the Lord — the Source of all strength. Remember, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear (Ps. 36:1-2). Fear is done away with when we trust in God. God is our defender when the enemy comes against us. God is our refuge in times of great storms. God is our comforter when our hearts are broken. As we allow Him into our lives, He will fill every vacancy within them. When we place our ultimate dependence on God, He will always meet our needs for all the days of our lives. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:16).
Thought for Today:
We can praise God for the victory in Christ.
Christ Portrayed:
By Micaiah, who told the Truth even though it was unpopular with his listeners (II Chr. 18:12-27). We are reminded of Christ when He spoke the unpopular Truth to the Pharisees (Matt. 12:1-14). Jesus responded: Now ye seek to kill Me, a Man that hath told you the Truth, which I have heard of God (John 8:40).
Word Studies:
18:1 joined affinity, allied himself by the marriage of his son to Ahab's daughter; 18:9 a void place, an open area near the city entrance; 18:15 adjure, command under oath; 18:33 at a venture, randomly without aim; harness, armor.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Richard B. Nugent (FL), Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL) and Sen. Kay Hagan (NC) • Country: Fiji (813,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Fijian • Religious freedom • 41% Hindu; 40% Protestant; 9% Roman Catholic; 8% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others (Num. 21:7).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 6:1