The enemies of God (Moabites, Ammonites, Meunites) were marching against Judah and its king Jehoshaphat. Their goal was to kill and destroy the king and the people he led. Jehoshaphat was powerless to do anything about it and he knew it. He couldn’t muster an army big enough to face this enemy. [2 Chronicles 20]
Jehoshaphat’s response was to call the nation together to seek the presence of the Lord. As all the people stood waiting for the Lord, waiting for His response, they were not disappointed. The Spirit of the Lord God Almighty before whom they stood waiting, descended upon Jahaziel, a Levite, and he proclaimed, “This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem…. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” [vs13-17]
The Lord’s word to Jehoshaphat was simple. You do your part; I’ll do my part. Jehoshaphat’s part was to march against his enemies, take up a position and stand firm. He was to “go out to face them.” He wasn’t to run, or surrender, or hide. He was to take up a position squarely in their path. God’s part was to bring about their deliverance for the battle was His. And God did His part!
Jehoshaphat saw a real enemy advancing upon him. As Christians we don’t often see our enemies with our physical eyes, but they are real, nonetheless. Paul wrote “though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” [2 Corinthians 10:3-4]
How often do I find myself retreating or hiding rather than facing the enemy. How often do I surrender to discouragement or fear. How often do I analyze, rationalize, or allow doubt into my heart as I see the enemies of my soul advancing against me. Yet God’s message is clear, take up your position squarely in their path and watch the deliverance of the Lord. After all, it is only when we are FACING the enemy that we can actually see God’s victory.
