The Song that Won a War

Monday, January 19, 2009

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2 Chronicles 20 tells an incredible story. King Jehoshaphat heard the unsettling news that the Ammonites and the Moabites, as well as the armies of other antagonistic nations, were coming to fight against him. He then made a very smart move: he immediately sought the Lord's wisdom and help, and called all of Judah together for a prayer meeting. Jehoshaphat stood in the temple and gave an incredible, passionate prayer to God, ending with the words "neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."

What humility! What faith! What reliance on God! The amazing reply to Jehoshaphat's prayer came through a Levitical musician named Jahaziel, one of the "sons of Asaph," who was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. He said, "The battle is not yours, but God's. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you. Fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you."

Jehoshaphat, upon hearing this good news, reassured his people, "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." He then did something radical, unexpected, and seemingly foolish. He appointed singers to go out in front of the army against the enemies of God. The song they sang went like this:

"Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever."

That was it; nothing more, and nothing less. Jehoshaphat had God's word that He would do something powerful, and Jehoshaphat believed Him. Jehoshaphat put his trust in the faithfulness of God, not in the military might of his armies. The Bible tell us, "And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten."

A simple song of praise from faithful men of God brought down the presence and power of God. They returned to Jerusalem with great songs of victory: "Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."

Here is the principle:

Praising God brings God's presence.

Psalm 22:3 says, "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."

Do you desire God's presence? Try praising Him in song.

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GO CURTIS!
Just listened to your podcast. It's great.

I need to do the same every Monday, like you.

SB
1/20/2009, by SB

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Curtis Hollembeak

Curtis holds a bachelor's degree in Bible with a music minor, as well as a master's degree in Sacred Music, having studied under Dr. Frank Garlock, president of Majesty Music, and Ray and Ann Gibbs, well-known Christian singers. He has served as music director and jr. high/high school supervisor at Grace Baptist Church of Mankato, Minnesota; school music director at the Franklin Road Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; media engineer for the Sword of the Lord in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and, full-time music director at Second Baptist Church and Twin City Christian Academy in Festus, Missouri. He is currently self-employed and serves in the music ministry of the Berean Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. Curtis is co-founder and President of the Asaph Music Co. He regularly sings bass with the Bible Truth Chorale on recordings produced by Bible Truth Music at Faith Music Missions.