A teaching by Rev. Barbara Williams, President of the Ministry of the Watchman International
Week of December 16-20, 2024
MONDAY
It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi).
2 Chronicles 20:1-2
King Jehoshaphat is in trouble. This is a departure from the way things have been. When a child of God finds himself in an unfortunate circumstance, he needs a reversal of fortune. Jehoshaphat had been the recipient of much favor and blessing from God (2 Chronicles 17:3-13). How is it that he suddenly finds himself surrounded by the enemy and in fear? Is there something that he has done that has caused this? Is this a random act of violence that has beset him suddenly, or is there something he can do to stay the enemy’s hand and receive victory?
If you are in need of healing, there is good news! Proverbs 4:20-22 SAYS:
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
So there is life and health in God’s word. Since God’s word is medicine, we must take it like we would a prescription. I suggest three times a day, like you would your food. Remember, healing is the children’s bread. Consider this your “dose” for today. Remember, read, and meditate three times a day the following:
Rx: 1 John 3:8b ~ For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
If you’ve never studied the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we invite you to join us as we read through the Bible in a year. Read and meditate on these chapters this week:
December 16: 2 Chronicles 18, Revelation 7, Zechariah 3, John 6
December 17: 2 Chronicles 19-20, Revelation 8, Zechariah 4, John 7
December 18: 2 Chronicles 21, Revelation 9, Zechariah 5, John 8
December 19: 2 Chronicles 22-23, Revelation 10, Zechariah 6, John 9
December 20: 2 Chronicles 24, Revelation 11, Zechariah 7, John 10
December 21: 2 Chronicles 25, Revelation 12, Zechariah 8, John 11
December 22: 2 Chronicles 26, Revelation 13, Zechariah 9, John 12
TUESDAY
It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi).
2 Chronicles 20:1-2
The enemy has suddenly come upon the whole nation of Israel. Where they previously enjoyed great favor and blessing, they are now in fear of an enemy that serves a dead god…one who cannot even hear them, speak to them, or fight for them. In other words, they are afraid of an enemy who only has access to natural power. How often have we been afraid of natural weapons: an unkind boss, a friend who has turned away, a longed for promotion or job, a marriage partner who is yet to be revealed to us? These things can never separate us from the love of God, which is our greatest asset. We can never be without spiritual help. But why is Jehoshaphat so fearful?
WEDNESDAY
Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and by marriage he allied himself with Ahab.
2 Chronicles 18:1
Jehoshaphat has moved from the foundation that gave him peace and security with God. The shifting of the foundation is really what has caused him to fear. Insecurity always causes fear. In making affinity with King Ahab, he has moved from his foundation of trusting God. When we leave God, the presence of fear is overwhelming. Fear is always lurking, trying to get our attention, but the presence of God dispels it. When God is near, we are able to withstand the enemy and remain strong in the Lord. Bad company corrupts good manners! By making league with Ahab, the King of Judah puts himself in jeopardy and must find his way back to God.
THURSDAY
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands…
and he said: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.
2 Chronicles 6:12, 14
This is the beauty of serving God. He keeps covenant and mercy to many generations. Even though King Jehoshaphat has erred, he knows that his covenant with God is stronger than his mistakes. He is depending on the mercy of God to get him and the people through this difficult time. There is always time for prayer. There is always time for repentance and turning back to God. When God hears the cries of His people, he has promised to hear and heal. This is a great comfort for us. This is the way to reverse misfortune. We must always seek God before misfortune can be reversed.
FRIDAY
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
2 Chronicles 20:14-17, 29
We must listen to God if our misfortune is to be reversed. We serve the Lord of Hosts and He fights for us in every situation. He requires that we take a stand for Him. In order to reverse our misfortune, we must reverse our position. Where the King of Judah had made a league with the King of Israel, that league must now be set aside and God exalted in order for the situation to be reversed. When Jehoshaphat felt strong, he sought to help the weakened Ahab. Now in his weakness, he knows that Ahab is no help for him. He begins to go back to his original foundation of trust in God.
Why does God forgive and undertake for us? Verse 29 gives us the key. The fear of the Lord comes upon our enemies when we trust God fully. We are still his witnesses and ambassadors. When He fights for us, He is exalted. Call on Him in your time of misfortune. He will reverse it for you.