June 13th~The Battle is Not Ours Alone

1 Kings 22:10-28


2 Chronicles 18:9-27


1 Kings 22:29-35


2 Chronicles 18:28-34


1 Kings 22:36-40, 51-53

2 Chronicles 19:1-20:30

We covered several interesting events about which I would like to comment. The first incident was with Micaiah and the 400 prophets of Ahab. While Ahab surrounded himself with false prophets who would support any of the king’s actions, Micaiah was the only prophet of God who would tell the truth. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “I will say only what the Lord tells me to say” (1 Kings 22:14).

What is interesting here is Micaiah’s vision of the Lord in heaven, seeking the advice of His attendants and concocting a scheme to deceive Ahab. Does the Lord ask angels for advice, and does He compel agents to lie on His behalf? The answer to both of these questions is no. We must keep in mind that what Micaiah saw was a vision, not reality. God is sovereign. He receives counsel from no one (Eph. 1:11); and, He does not lie or tempt men to lie. However, as we have seen before, such as in the case of Pharaoh, Joseph, and Job, God does permit evil but uses it for His good purposes.

A second event that is telling of God’s sovereignty was the death of Ahab. It was prophesied to him three times that he would die for his sins. It finally came to pass in a battle against the Arameans. Though Ahab had disguised himself to hide his identity, an archer flung an arrow at random, we are told, and it struck Ahab in a small opening of his armor. The wound was fatal (1 Kings 22:34, 35). With God, there is no such thing as random arrows; all things proceed as He intends.

The third event that warrants our attention was King Jehoshaphat’s traveling around the country, to encourage the people and their judges to “return to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.” He gave them all advice that would be wise for us to follow. “Think carefully before you pronounce judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. Fear Him and judge with care, for the Lord does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes... Take courage and fulfill your duties and may the Lord be with those who do what is right” (2 Chronicles 19:1-11). The Lord cares about integrity and justice. Shouldn’t we?

Finally, we read of Judah’s war with three nations (20:1-30). I admire the fact that Jehoshaphat’s first response was to pray. “He was alarmed by this news and sought the Lord for guidance” (v.3). When he gathered the people at the Temple, he cried out to God for help. I have uttered his closing words many times, “O God, I am powerless against this enemy that is attacking me. I do not know what to do, so I am looking to You for help” (v.12). Like Jehoshaphat, I have found the Lord to be faithful to fight the enemy on my behalf. Like the King and the people, I’ve sung their song, “Give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love endures forever” (v.21).

Daily Reflection

God is sovereign over all things, including your life. How have you witnessed His sovereignty?

Have you ever found yourself powerless against the enemy? Did you turn to the Lord for help?

BiAY.org |Day 164 — 201 Days to Go