March 14, 2021

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE: WORSHIP WARRIORS

March 14, 2021

Pastor Matt Willmington

 

 

Sometimes life hands us some pretty bleak times! How do you personally handle trials when they come? Is it sometimes easier to play the Ostrich?

 

This past week we persevered through 1 and 2 Chronicles as we continue to strive with our challenge to read through the Bible in six months. Did you assume at first that these two books were repeats of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings? They were actually not retelling those four books, but they form a recap of many of those events. Of King Saul’s life, for instance, only his death was retold. Once one becomes aware of the intent, it is easy to quickly move through the chapters, realizing the importance those genealogies and historical facts are to the Jewish nation. Today’s sermon, taken from a passage within the week’s reading, has a great lesson to help us endure the valleys in our lives, and by following certain guidelines, we will allow them to become Valleys of Blessing!

 

Focal Passages: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30; 6:28-30; 7:13-14.

 

            SEEK GOD

 

  • Read 2 Chronicles 1-4. What was Jehoshaphat’s first reaction when he was told armies had mobilized against him? What is usually your first reaction when told bad news?
  • What was the second thing the King did? The third? Why do you think he fasted for God’s favor? What do you think of fasting—is it something you do often as a Christian, or almost never? Why or why not?
  • Read 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. Who is speaking here? Do we know about any of these examples in today’s world? Why? What is the conditional clause God makes here?
  • Look back at Jehoshaphat’s internal responses: How did he fulfill the steps listed in 7:14 by his actions?

 

PRAY TO GOD

 

  • Read 2 Chron. 20:5-9. As you read this prayer of Jehoshaphat, what were some of the phrases that showed he was very aware of God’s power? Read verse 9 again. How much faith did he have?
  • What does he pray in verse 12? Why is that a great prayer for us to pray daily, especially during times of crisis?
  • Was he seeking God as just a cursory action? How was he throwing himself upon God’s mercy?
  • Have you ever set these four steps in motion when faced with an emergency?

 

  • Read Ch 20 verses 14a, 15, 16a, 17. How did God answer Jehoshaphat’s prayer through the priest Jahaziel? Does anyone recall when a similar exhortation has been used this year to calm the fears of Israel?

 

WORSHIP GOD

 

  • Read verse 18. How did Jehoshaphat and the people react when they received

God’s answer? If you have ever been as overwhelmed as he and his people by the power and majesty of God in an answer to a prayer, can you share it?

  • Can someone tell what happened the next morning as everyone went out toward the battle? What did the people do after that?
  • Read verses 27-30. How did these people return to their homes? Why did this valley –that seemed to be a prelude to catastrophe–get renamed as the Valley of Blessing? What do you imagine was the level of the people’s joy over the next months?

 

Close

 

It is good to read of a great experience of faith for one of the kings of Israel, isn’t it? We get almost jaded as it seems they usually have the epitaph of “doing evil in the sight of God.” When we read of one who was a faithful follower of God, it’s refreshing.

Is it possible this same scenario can also take place within our homes? Not that there has to be evil, but often just the tension, or disagreements, the continual bickering or even yelling gets so old that those who have to hear but have no control over the situations (the children, neighbors, renters, etc.) get “jaded” by our lifestyle, and it definitely has a negative impact on our testimony. Or maybe it’s not your family that is the cause, but the world that continues to creep in through the internet, social media, magazines, movies, or television—or “news!” Many of the people whom we watch for news, or a reality show, or some other type of performance, would never be allowed in the door if an unknown person came in bearing the politics, the slurs, the language, or the attitudes that we allow through media, and they leave a jarring note that can erode the peace in a family.

Just as we enjoyed reading the saga of someone like King Jehoshaphat, perhaps our families desire our testimony to be peace, joy, singing, or words of gratefulness! The take-away from 2 Chronicles 7:14 (as well as from the priest, Jahaziel), is a great formula for our lives. When is the last time that, as a family, you gathered together during a crisis and had a time of opening your hearts before God in true humility, praying with all fervency, seeking His face (and listening to what He might need to say to you), turning from any known sin or wickedness, and asking for healing? Or, once He gives His answer, SHOW UP to do whatever the situation requires or He asked of you, for without your active response, there may be no victory; then SING. How many times in the Bible are we told to sing, raising our voices to God in praise and adoration, giving back to Him the breath that He breathed into our lives? And always GIVE THANKS for His faithful love, which shall endure forever. You do not ever have to go through another crisis alone, and your home and family can choose to live a life full of joy!