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2 Chronicles 13 – Praying through the Bible – A Prayer When Outnumbered and Surrounded
Good-hearted people sometimes suggest after a sermon, “The next time you preach that, you need to include….” Sometimes I do; sometimes I had already excluded it due to time restriction – could you really sit through a sermon that included everything the Bible says on every topic? There is, however, another reason not to include everything. It doesn’t fit the story you’re trying to tell. A good story jells around a theme, has a point.
If we look at Abijah’s reign only in 2 Chronicles 13, he is a very godly leader, exceptional even. Nothing negative is stated or implied. If we look only at 1 Kings (there called Abijam), we see nothing positive, except for a hint of good: “he was not completely devoted to the LORD his God as his ancestor David had been” (1 Kgs 15.3).
Both accounts agree there is war between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Israel often wins due to its stronger army and greater economic power. Think of the North vs. the South in America’s Civil War. When Abijah’s army defeats an army twice its size, and strategically out-maneuvered, there is a divine cause.
Before the battle, Abijah lectures Jeroboam in loyalty to God and to David. Unlike most days, today the king’s heart is fully devoted to God. Today, Jeroboam is called an apostate and a traitor (13.4-9). He even describes Jeroboam as being so base, that all a non-Levite needs to do to be named a priest is bring, “a young bull and seven rams” (13.9). How meaningless the position of priest has become in Jeroboam’s religion. Abijah’s description of Judah’ religious activity is one of Mosaical orthodoxy (13.10-12).
During the battle, Judah “turned and discovered that the battle was in front of them and behind them, so they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, and the men of Judah raised the battle cry” (13.14-15). What is the result? “God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah (13.15). More people died in Israel’s army, 500,000; than the total number in Judah’s army, 400,000.
Twice the size didn’t matter. This is David and Goliath all over again. This is us too. Life is filled with being outnumbered. Being faithful to God can be disheartening. Numbers are tempting, and often influences what churches we decide to join, or who are our friends. Being surrounded by our enemies can be threatening. How easy is it to give in and give up when we see no alternatives? How do we win our battles? God saves those who are true to Him…despite times when we are not. Win with God. That’s the theme.
Prayer Challenge: When feeling outnumbered and surrounded, look inwardly. Is your heart fully devoted to God? If not, repent. If so, look up in prayer to the One who is greater than your fears.
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