Daily Teaching
2 Chronicles 20:15-17 — Meaning & Reflection
“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. 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. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.' "”
Trust does not always remove the next step; it lets us take it knowing God is with us.
Background
With a large enemy coalition approaching Judah, Jehoshaphat gathers the people to seek God. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, who announces that God will deliver them.
Teaching
Judah receives a particular promise that this battle will be won without their fighting. Yet the people must still go out and take their appointed positions. Their obedience expresses dependence on God rather than confidence in their own strength. We are not promised the same outcome in every conflict, but we can entrust our fears to the God whose presence sustains his people.
Reflect
- What burden am I carrying as though everything depends on me?
- What faithful step can I take while entrusting the outcome to God?
Prayer
Lord, I bring you the struggles that make me afraid. Help me obey you faithfully and trust your presence when I cannot control the outcome. Amen.