A Word For Today | 2 Chron. 20
Our generation of believers is not the first to face a sudden onslaught of fear. In the 9th century b.c., Judah’s King Jehoshaphat received stunning news: “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom” (2 Chron. 20:2). In fact, the enemy horde was already past the Dead Sea and was fast approaching. Jehoshaphat had no strategy for countering this assault, but he knew what first to do: “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord” (2 Chron. 20:4). Jehoshaphat not only offered private prayer, but with time fleeting he called for a national prayer meeting at the temple on Mount Zion. There was gathered one of the more moving scenes from the Old Testament: “all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children” (2 Chron. 2:13). Their king then led them in prayer, speaking words that may resonate with us today: “O our God,..We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chron. 2:12).
It is safe to say that during our present pandemic, a great many eyes have been fixed on televisions and computer screens. We are grateful for public servants who are doing their best to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, and especially for valiant medical professionals laboring to save lives. I am sure that as we are watching the news, we are praying for their help. But let’s not forget Jehoshaphat and where his eyes were fixed. As he gathered the men, women, and children for prayer, let us bow together in our homes and (perhaps via livestream) our churches and pray that God himself would come to aid us in this time of need.
Jehshaphat’s words, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you,” give comfort to all those who know the greatness of our God. The coronavirus pandemic therefore challenges Christians: do you know the sovereignty, goodness, power, and – yes – holiness of God? Fixing our eyes on God will lift up our hearts in confident prayer, knowing that His purposes in our present trial are holy and good. Fixing our eyes on Him will cause us to look for redemptive opportunities in our trial. Knowing God will also lead us to praise Him – not just after we are delivered, but even now. It was while Jehoshaphat’s men were singing praises that the Lord brought His deliverance, setting His own ambush and routing the enemy force (2 Chron. 20:22). God has proven His mercy to poor and suffering people who call on Him in faith by sending His Son to bear our sins on the cross. Let us therefore fix our eyes on the God of grace, knowing that He will save everyone who comes to Him in Jesus’ name, and knowing that “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28).
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Phillips