Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 13; Revelation 3; Haggai 1; John 2
2 Chronicles 13:14-15 And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
The sons of Jacob were divided! The tribes had split and the Ten Northern tribes followed Jeroboam and Judah and Benjamin became known as Judah. When Abijah was reigning over Judah, they were at war and the men of Judah were outnumbered two to one! As they were situated in battle array against one another, King Abijah climbed a hill and spoke to the troops of Jeroboam. He pointed out that the kingdom belonged to David’s line by an everlasting covenant that God made with David. He also pointed out that Jeroboam had caused Israel to follow the golden claves which were idols. The idolatrous priesthood of Israel was for sale to anyone who wanted it.
Judah however had stayed true to the Lord. They worshipped at the temple made by Solomon. Their priests were the sons of Aaron and they did not worship idols.
2 Chronicles 13:12 And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.
As he was giving his speech, the troops of Jeroboam were flanking his troops and soon Judah found that they were surrounded by their enemies. It was at this point that they cried unto the LORD. And just as Abijah had said, God helped them even though there were surrounded and outnumbered! Judah fought hard and God gave them the victory. Israel lost five hundred thousand men that day! The Bible is very clear what had happened.
2 Chronicles 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.
Judah relied upon the LORD and gained the victory even when surrounded and outnumbered! Over and over again in Scripture we see this being the case. Who will you trust? Will you go the way that seems right or will you trust in the LORD?
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
When you are outnumbered and surrounded – cry out to the LORD and trust in him!
In Christ,
Rody
