GODS FIGHTS FOR ISRAEL WHEN PRAISES ARE OFFERED

SERIES: THE POWER OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP

TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 20:1-24

There is no one without an enemy. Born again believers also have enemies. The word “enemy” is mentioned many times in the Bible. Israel fought countless battles in the promised land, to occupy it and also to maintain the occupation.

There are battles too in the life of every believer. One way of winning the battle is by offering praises and worship to the most Holy God.

God dwells in the praises of His people. Three armies conspired to attack Israel jointly, when Jehoshaphat was king:-

THE 3 ARMIES POSITIONED THEMSELVES ABRUPTLY-Vs. 1-3.

They plotted secretly, but God exposed their plan to king Jehoshaphat. When you please the Lord, He fights your battles. The report of their positioning for war was brought to King Jehoshaphat.

THE KING DECLARES PRAYER AND FASTING-Vs. 3-4.

In the ordinary situation, the king would mobilize his army to start drills and preparations for the encounter with the enemy.
In ordinary life this is what seems to make sense, but people of God don’t operate like the people of the world.
King Jehoshaphat first sought to seek the face of the Lord.
He declared a fast through all cities of Judah.
They gathered together to seek the face of the Lord.
King Jehoshaphat stood in the midst of the congregation and led the congregation in prayers-Vs. 6-12.

THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS-Vs. 14-18.

When they prayed, God answered immediately.
There is power in prayer.
There is more power with prayer and fasting.
There is greater power in prayer of unity.

The Holy Spirit came down and fell on Jahaziel the son of Zachariah, a Levite. He gave them the battle plan and disclosed to them where the enemy had hidden; by the cliff of Ziz at the end of the brook, before the wilderness.

AFTER PRAYING, GOD TOOK OVER THE BATTLE-Vs. 15.

Dealing with a merciful enemy is the most dreadful thing. When they humbled themselves and sought the Lord with prayer and fasting, God answered immediately and He showed up in a big way.
He told them, “The battle is mine.” He took over the heavy burden from their shoulders.

THEIR GREAT BATTLE PLAN-SINGING PRAISES-Vs. 21-22.

The woken up and marched to the battle.
They put the choir to go in front of the army!
The choir marched in front of the army.
They sang praises to God saying, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.”
When they began to sing, the power of God came down, confused the 3 armies, they turned against one another and killed one another! No single enemy soldier remained. It was a perfect victory.

CONCLUSION