Matthew 1:8. and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat was a good king. He was the fourth king of Judah and the Bible tells us that he loved and trusted the Lord – “his heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord.” He never turned to Baal, he tore down “high places” where false gods were worshiped on the hill tops, he appointed godly judges over the people, and he taught the people of Judah the law of God.
On top of all that, one of my favorite Old Testament stories is a story about King Jehoshaphat.
The book of 2 Chronicles tells us of an alliance of three nations that was formed against Judah and King Jehoshaphat. A “great multitude” was moving toward Judah to attack, and, naturally, Jehoshaphat was terrified.
Have you ever been afraid? One of the worst parts of waiting for Christ’s advent is the constant fears that we face. Things aren’t perfect yet, are they? Enemies are constantly moving against us to attack. Great multitudes of troubles, and problems, and even people who wish us harm. What do you do when the Enemy attacks your heart?
Here’s what King Jehoshaphat did; he cried out to God.
2 Chronicles 20:5-6. 5And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.
Jehoshaphat recounted the covenant promises of God, his power in giving his people the promised land, and his faithfulness to save. The king’s prayer concluded with these great words of faith:
2 Chronicles 20:12. God, we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
Have you ever prayed this prayer?
Then God told Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah what to do and how to feel. “Do not be afraid or dismayed,” he said. “Go out to face the enemy horde. I will fight for you. I will deliver you.”
The next day the army of Judah went out to face the enemy. They got up early, put on their armor, sharpened their swords, and never lifted a finger. The Bible says that God caused the three enemy armies to destroy each other. All while King Jehoshaphat and his army stood on by the side and sang praises to God.
The Apostle Paul tells us to live our lives in this same way as we wait for our deliverer. “Put on the full armor of God,” he says. And then do what? Stand. Not fight. Just stand. Stand and trust. Stand and praise. Stand and watch God apply the salvation of Christ to your specific fears.
May we stand strong in the Lord Jesus and in the power of his might as we wait for his return in victory.
Questions.
What fears are you facing today? How is the enemy attacking you lately? How can this Christmas season encourage you to stand in faith against our great enemy, the Devil?
To Live is Christ 