Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 20:17 (New Living Translation)

17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!

God is speaking to the people in Jerusalem through a man named Jahaziel. A big army has gathered to destroy God’s people of Judah. The army was B I G. Military science and simple arithmetic showed that the army of Judah had no chance.

King Jehoshaphat of Judah had humbled himself and prayed. He pleaded with God for rescue. And we have God’s reply.

Here is the strategy for the army. March out of Jerusalem in formation. (If anyone from the invaders had seen this march, they would have laughed. That’s the best you can do? Silly. This will be easy.) March out of Jerusalem to the battlefield. Then, stand still and watch. Huh? Stand still and watch? That’s the plan? Really? Yes. Watch what Jehovah the God of the people will do. Watch. Learn. Remember. Live righteously.

Sometimes God gives demonstrations. These demonstrations are neither earned nor deserved. And here they are. Stand still and watch what God does. Learn the power of God. Learn the forgiveness of God. Learn the righteousness of God. Live the rest of your life as if you really learned. Live in the righteousness of God.

This is simple. This is almost impossible in our fallen human state. Please God, help me in my unbelief.