Readings for today: 2 Chronicles 19-20, Romans 10:14-11:12, Psalms 21, Proverbs 20:4-6
One of my favorite professors in seminary was an African-American man by the name of Cleophus LaRue. He was beloved by many and well-known for launching into sermons in the middle of class. There’s nothing quite like listening to great African-American preaching. There is a timbre and cadence that inspires and lifts the soul. Such was my experience in this man’s class. I remember one day a fellow student asking Dr. LaRue if there was anything worth preaching in the Old Testament. “It’s full of all kinds of archaic rules and laws and histories that have no relevance to today’s world.” Dr. LaRue looked at him in shock. “Nothing worth preaching? Do you not know? Have you not heard of the time Jehoshaphat sent his army into battle led by the choir?” And off he went! It was awe-inspiring and I’ve never forgotten it.
Jehoshaphat is one of my favorite kings. He’s not perfect. He makes mistakes along the way. He makes alliances with the wrong kind of people. And yet, his heart is for the Lord. “Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers.” (2 Chronicles 19:4) I cannot imagine the daily pressures a king faces. Pressures to make decisions. Pressures to provide for his people. Pressures to defend against his enemies. Pressures all around and yet Jehoshaphat made it a priority to go out among his people and bring them back to the Lord. He obeyed the Great Commission long before Jesus spoke those words. He taught his people to obey all the Lord had commanded. He believed one of the defining priorities of his kingship was the ability to make disciples. To foster an environment in his nation where his people would grow spiritually. It’s truly stunning when you take a step back to think about it.
Now some might ask what purpose did it serve? Some might question if this is really the king’s job? Shouldn’t he be attending to affairs of state? But then we run across the story my professor preached on that day in class. The story of Jehoshaphat sending his army out in battle led by the choir. They are outnumbered. They are outmatched. They are outgunned. But rather than despair, Jehoshaphat turns his heart to the Lord. He calls on the Lord to be faithful to His promises. He walks by faith, trusting God to deliver him from all his enemies. And his people - having been taught the faith by Jehoshaphat himself and seen his example firsthand - follow him. Listen to what Jehoshaphat says and does, "Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed." And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever." And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” (2 Chronicles 20:20-22)
Imagine trusting God so much that you can literally face death with a tune on your lips! Imagine believing God so much that you can walk into battle with a song in your heart! Imagine facing whatever overwhelming odds you may face in your life with joy because you know…YOU KNOW…the Lord is good and His steadfast love endures forever! How does one get to such a place in their faith? By worshipping God. Spending time with Him regularly and frequently. Never neglecting the gathering of God’s people. Seeking to serve God in all you say and do throughout the week. Keeping God’s will and God’s glory as the overarching priority of your life not because you are trying to earn anything or have something to prove but simply because you love God and you want to live for Him. Will you do this perfectly? No. Neither did Jehoshaphat. But God’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for your heart. Give Him your heart today.
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Chronicles 21-23, Romans 11:13-36, Psalms 22:1-18, Proverbs 20:7