V. Three Prophets of Victory.
We are involved in “the good fight” (1 Tim.
1:18; 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7). It is a battle
for the mind, for truth and obedience (2 Cor. 10:3-5). It is a battle for self-control (1 Cor.
9:26-27; 1 Pt. 2:11; Jas. 4:1). It is a
battle to control our response to circumstances and for inner courage (2 Cor.
7:5), a battle for endurance and for a clear conscience (1 Tim. 1:18-19; Hb.
10:32). It is a battle for the control
of the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh (Gal. 5:16-18). Why should God help us rather than overthrow
us? Here are three OT answers to that
question. Interestingly enough, the
first two promise victory to King Ahab, the third to Jehoshaphat of Judah. They happened around the same time as these
kings ruled concurrently.
a.
Unnamed prophets to Ahab, 1 Ki. 20:13-29.
You might expect God
to overthrow Ahab. After all, he was in
God’s opinion the most evil of kings (1 Ki. 16:30). But God desired to proclaim His glory to two
ungodly kingdoms. The King of Syria
picked a fight with Ahab, and set up camp near Samaria. A prophet appeared to Ahab, giving him
instructions as to how to fight the battle and promising him victory. The reason for this was, “Behold, I will
deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD”
(20:13).
After that victory, the Syrians convinced
themselves that their loss was because “their gods are gods of the hills.
Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we fight against them in the plain,
surely we will be stronger than they.” So
the Syrians returned to fight again, and again, an unnamed prophet appeared to
Ahab, again promising victory. The
reason this time was, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The
LORD is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,” therefore I will
deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am
the LORD.’”
b.
Jahaziel to Jehoshaphat, 2 Chr. 20:1-30.
This is one of the truly powerful stories in
Scripture. Jehoshaphat and Judah were
confronted by a great multitude of people from Moab and Ammon. The king was afraid and sought the LORD,
proclaiming a fast throughout Judah. The
king prayed a marvelous prayer (20:6-12; read it and be encouraged), ending
with, “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us;
nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” In response, the LORD sent Jahaziel to ease their
fears and to assure them of God’s victory.
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the
salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!”
The battle we are in as Christians is one of
immense importance. God’s reputation is
at stake. Let us continue earnestly in
prayer and faithful obedience. The
victory is won on our knees.
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