Week 44 To Win the Battle

In a couple weeks many brave men and women will celebrate the 242nd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Even though it is the smallest branch of the military, its members are brave, fierce and loyal. These stouthearted Marines know that their commitment entails risking their lives on the offensive front lines. “As America’s expeditionary force in readiness since 1775, the Marines are forward deployed to win our nation’s battles swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis. They fight on land, sea and air, as well as provide forces and detachments to naval ships and ground operations.” (marines.com)

(Before I go on, don’t forget to give your favorite Marine a “Happy Birthday and Semper Fi” wish on November 10 this year.)

Like our country, Israel’s most successful military branch was also a forward deployed branch. The weapons of their warfare not being made of metal, but skin, bone and sound. The Praise Corps.

These must have been brave people of faith to go ahead of the other branches of service armed with their songs of praise to the living God. Knowing that the weapons of their warfare were not carnal, BUT mighty enough to pull down the strongholds, they cleared the way for the victory of the Lord in Jericho, across the Jordan and against three large armies during Jehoshaphat’s reign.

In looking at Jehoshaphat’s battle with three armies, I see a pattern for us to follow in our war with the enemy.

1. Keep your eyes on the LORD v12

2. Do not be afraid v15

3. Accept that it is the LORD’s battle

4. Stand still (yatsab) v17

5. Abide behind Him (amad)

6. Change perspective (raah)

7. To see Salvation (yeshuwah!)

8. Worship the Lord v18

9. Praise Him loudly v19

10. Send the praises to the frontline v21

11. As you sing, the Lord fights v22

12. NEVER lift a carnal weapon v23

13. Receive God’s rest v30

Semper

Deus Fidelis Semper

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2 Chronicles 20:1-30

1 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat…

12 Jehoshaphat prayed, “Our GOD, will you not judge them? 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.”…

15 The prophet 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…

17 You will not have to fight this battle. BE STILL, ABIDE in Him and SEE the SALVATION of the Lord, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you…”

18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, WORSHIPPING Him. 19 The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and the sons of the Korahites, stood up to PRAISE the Lord God of Israel, with a very LOUD VOICE…

21 When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who SANG to the Lord and those who praised Him in their holy priestly attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Praise and give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever.” 22 WHEN THEY BEGAN SINGING and praising, the LORD SET AMBUSHES against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were struck down. 23 For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, completely destroying them; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, THEY helped to DESTROY ONE ANOTHER…

30 So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him REST on all sides.