Suit Up

I saw this photograph in my Facebook feed this morning and it was a powerful reminder of God’s word to Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, in 2 Chronicles 20:17. These words from our Lord are refreshing, encouraging, comforting, yet challenging.

Let’s establish some context. Second Chronicles 20 records a vast, approaching army comprising the Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites, all enemies of God and the people of Israel. Verse 3 says that Jehoshaphat was “alarmed”—that seems justified. Here we have a threat, an approaching danger, where the children of Israel are vastly outnumbered. What would our response be? But what did Jehoshaphat do? He inquired of God. He sought God’s face.

We face similar circumstances. What “armies” consume our attention? Stress at work to meet deadlines, a rebellious child, illness (our own or a family member), caring for an aging parent, loss of a job, inability to pay bills, mounds of school work, marital problems, busyness. The list goes on. These “armies” loom large, and often consume our attention and force us to thinking from a worldly perspective. They can cause us to feel frustrated, disappointed, empty, helpless.

Let’s look closely at the prayer of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 29:6-12. What lessons we can learn from his words? He first recognized, where all prayers should start, the sovereignty of God: “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.” He is our Lord, our God. Here we see God, on the throne. Isn’t it awesome (which by the way, is a word we should only reserve for God) that He is control, that He is God, and we are not?

Secondly, he affirms that no matter the situation, the Israelites will stand in His presence. How comforting, how reassuring, how challenging. They won’t run, seek cover, blame, or wallow in self-pity. They will stand firm in His presence. When we are connected to our Lord in prayer, not only do we acknowledge His sovereignty, we don’t have to go very far to be in His presence. He is all around. His glory fills His temple.

Thirdly, Jehoshaphat releases control, recognizes his weakness, and focuses all attention on the Lord: “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Cling to our weakness and rest in His strength. Eyes on Him, eyes on His Grace and Mercy, and loving care, not on the impending “army”, whatever that struggle may be.

I just simply love the Lord’s response in vv. 15-17:

¹⁵ He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. ¹⁶ Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. ¹⁷ You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”

Did you catch what the Lord said? “Do not fear, do not be discouraged, you do not have to fight this battle, I own it, I will be with you.” Now, the Lord doesn’t say, “Jehoshaphat, you and the Israelites go an sit on the sidelines and let me take care of this for you. Watch what I have in my playbook and you will be amazed. When I am finished, you will never have to deal with this type of situation again. You have my word, as Owner, Coach, and Player.” No, what did he say? Look at vv. 16-17. He instructed Jehoshaphat and his men to “suit up.” Our battles are the Lords, but we are not mere observers. We are participants, actively trusting in Him that what he promises He will bring to completion. We need to take our positions willingly and without fear, stand firm with resolve and courage, and watch God’s deliverance. He may never deliver us from the “battle” but He will most definitely deliver us through it. But not if we are on the sidelines away from the action. Let’s hold true to what Paul writes, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can don the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18) daily to overcome. It is only through “suiting up” that we will find strength and rest in Christ’s might power (Ephesians 6:10).

Finally, notice Jehoshaphat and all of Judah’s response to the Lord’s words, the ONLY appropriate response. Just like Job before him (Job 1:20-21), Jehoshaphat and Judah fell down and worshipped the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (2 Chronicles 20:18-21), They praised him, gave thanks to Him, honored Him for His holiness and goodness. What is our response? “Suit up” and worship.