January 27: 2 Chronicles 20:1-12

Rehearsing the SITUATION (verses 10-11)

God already knows what we are facing, but it is important for us to rehearse what we are facing and why we need God’s help.

When I was president of Southern Methodist College, I traveled alone a great deal. This was before technology was sufficiently developed to give easy access to audio books and podcasts. During these lengthy drives I would have the opportunity to meditate on the problems we were facing (there were always problems) and praying that God would lead us to solutions. God often opened my eyes to the root problem and would give guidance concerning the solution as I sought Him in the silence of my automobile. Sometimes we think the problem is a person when it may be a system or procedure instead. And likewise, the problem may be a person with an attitude problem or a skillset that doesn’t match the job. The real problem can be masked by our lack of information, our lack of perspective or our lack of awareness. Thinking through the problem and verbalizing the situation with God allows Him to show us what we really need to know and to give directions for meeting the need.

Jehoshaphat describes to God the situation, as he sees it. He recalls that God would not allow the Israelites to invade Moab, but now Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir have decided to take advantage of Judah and have amassed a huge army to defeat them. He also acknowledges that they are not confronting Judah but are defying God and His possession (the land) which He gave as an inheritance to Israel. Jehoshaphat clearly sees that this invasion is more than a threat to the nation. It is an affront to God and His promise. Therefore, he is confident that God will act to deliver His people.

 Jehoshaphat asks God to judge them. God as Judge is a fearful thing, if we oppose Him, but can be an encouragement, when we are in the right and on His side.

 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Exodus 34:6-7 ESV

Finally, thinking about the situation and clearly understanding the threat, Jehoshaphat and the people recognize the immensity of this challenge and the great need for God’s help.

APPLICATION

After going to God and meditating on a situation, have you understood it better, gained insight into solution, and recognized how much you need His help?