We’re into the second month of the new year now. How are you doing on those resolutions? More importantly, are you experiencing REVIVAL? We have been looking at Biblical revivals to point us in the right direction. We’ve seen how Israel recommitted themselves to God’s Law after their great sin in making the golden calf. The prophet Samuel led the nation in a revival that began with throwing out their idols. King David sets the example for worship. But sometimes revival breaks out in unexpected circumstances, like when King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah renewed their faith in the midst of a battle.
Jehoshaphat was a decent king. He was generally a good, godly ruler, but he was overly friendly with Ahab, the wicked king of the northern kingdom, Israel. He allowed his son to marry Ahab’s daughter and he agreed to join Ahab in battle against the Arameans at the battle of Ramoth-gilead. The king barely escaped with his life. Ahab was not so fortunate. A prophet named Jehu called the king out for his lack of wisdom and discernment. Jehoshaphat got the message. But not long after, Moab and Ammon both declare war on Judah. Let’s pick up the narrative in 2 Chronicles 20
The battle looms
Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).” Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:2-3 (NAS)
Faced with an enemy, Jehoshaphat calls for a fast and seeks the Lord. Unspoken in that, is repentance, getting rid of pride and self-sufficiency. The king claims the promises God made to His people.
“O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
2 Chronicles 20:12 (ESV)
In this moment of fear and desperation, Jehoshaphat is doing exactly what he should.
When we face our own times of powerlessness and fear, we should follow the king’s example and bring it all to God, remembering His goodness, His love and mercy, and His power and promises.
God hears the king’s prayer and sends this message:
‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 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.”
2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 (ESV)
Notice God does not deny that Judah is facing a real threat. He agrees the coming army is “a great horde.” But He is set to fight for and deliver Judah.
This is when revival breaks out.
Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD. And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
2 Chronicles 20:18-19 (ESV)
The next morning as the army of Judah marched out to fight the enemy the king appointed singers to go before the army, singing, “Give thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love endures forever!”
And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
2 Chronicles 20:22 (ESV)
The revival happened BEFORE the victory.
When the people focused on the character of God and His holiness, their faith was revived. Their spirits were stirred, and they burst out in songs of praise as they marched to battle. They did not have to wait for proof that God would deliver. They trusted that His word was good.
Perhaps the battles we face don’t have such well-defined armies of enemies. Perhaps the timing is uncertain. But GOD is the same. HE is the same God who heard and responded to Jehoshaphat’s prayers. If we meet our battles with consecrated faith rather than knee-jerk fear, we can have revivial even in the midst of battle.