Saturday, April 16, 2011

It has been very interesting to think of the ways in which the Lord gained victory for the nation of Israel. In Egypt, He created the frogs, gnats, flies, death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and death of firstborn, to free the nation of Israel from Egypt. Soon after they left, He caused the Red Sea to split so the nation of Israel could walk through on dry ground and then covered the Egyptian army at the bottom of the sea with the wall of water. He had Israel march around Jericho 7 times in one day and the walls of Jericho fell in. Jonathan, king Saul’s son, had a great victory with only one sword.

Well, in my reading this morning I found another interesting way the Lord gave victory to the nation of Israel.  Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah and three different tribes (Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir) were coming up against Judah to attack it.  Jehoshaphat turned to the Lord and prayed for deliverance.  God’s response came through a prophet named Jahaziel, son of Zechariah.  As you read his response to Jehoshaphat’s prayer there are some interesting verses of note.  He said, “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, Judah and Jerusalem.” (II Chron. 20:15-17)

What followed is most interesting.  Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army. . . And as they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men. . .and they were defeated.” (II Chron 20:21-22)  I have heard of women’s voices breaking crystal, but I had never heard of men’s voices being able to trigger the death and defeat of an entire army.  Just a side note. My daughter Victoria has long been embarrassed for how loud I sing in church. I have to admit I wouldn’t be asked to sing in a choir but I do love to sing. Here is my justification for my loud singing and hope she reads this. Back to the story. It wasn’t the voices, but the God who has power to be victorious in any situation we encounter.  The key is turning to him to seek His help, His guidance, and His direction for whatever we face.

On this journey, God is able to use our inadequate resources (even our singing voices) for His purposes in defeating the enemy and giving victory to every step we take.