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2 Chronicles 20:1-30 – Praying through the Bible #137 – A Prayer of History Overcoming Fear
Three kings in a row, three generations, three battles, and three prayers. If this pattern had held true for every king, in every situation, then Judah would not have been exiled into a foreign abyss. Abijah, Asa, and now Jehoshaphat all rely upon God during times of national distress. A later king, Hezekiah, will do the same. Seeing we need God when in the middle of turmoil can be so much clearer than when we are in the rut of normality. Times of trouble, followed by divine rescue, show our true neediness for God.
Let’s backtrack to establish Jehoshaphat’s holy record. First, he respects God, enjoys and submits to God (2 Chron17.3-6). I love verse six, “his mind rejoiced in the LORD’s ways.” The first part describes Jehoshaphat personally, and the second what he does because of the first: “He again removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.” The right mindset leads to the right actions. Second, Jehoshaphat educates his people in God’s ways (17.7-9). Education is always a key to success, in every realm. Parents wouldn’t keep their children out of school knowing this, so why do parents too easily keep their children out of “Bible School?” The king knows a righteous nation is not maintained only by having a righteous government. Third, Jehoshaphat appoints wise judges (19.5-11). His nation is God’s nation, filled with God’s wisdom and laws.
Part of me wonders, why then did war come? Curiosity looks for divine reasons, but scripture does not always satisfy. Bad times come as temptations, tests, punishment and discipline. Sometimes even as gifts we fail to appreciate. However, life is not filled with having all questions answered. So let’s suffice with this. War comes because such is life. Bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen because people are good.
All this leads us to the prayer before battle. Jehoshaphat has led his people towards a close covenant relationship with God. So seeing him lead his army in prayer, and before that with fasting, is expected (20.5-12). Read his historically focused, deeply trusting, monotheistic themed prayer. God has already proved Himself. When the king leads his army, he gives his soldiers a great “pep talk.” Afterwards something incredible happens, something I don’t know if ever happens before or again. Singers lead the battle (20.20-21). “Worship” is not reserved for the temple. Worship is part of the battle plan!
Let’s backtrack again. Before the battle, after receiving the news of the vast number of the enemy, 2 Chronicles 20.3 says, “Jehoshaphat was afraid.” Being faithful, righteous, a great leader, none of these declare fear is impossible or a sign of weakness. Fear often is simply being honest with ourselves and God. Once he prays, his confidence returns. That is the power of prayer. So follow your fears with prayers, even fasting and singing. What a great legacy to pass on to other generations.
Prayer Challenge: Don’t think of fear as weakness. Consider it proof of honesty that needs to be followed by prayer. Hasn’t God proved more powerful than our fear?
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