The battle between Israel and Judah had continued since the passing of Solomon. Jeroboam had led the tribes of Israel into idolatrous worship. King Ahab led them into the worship of Baal as well. King Asa of Judah was one God Fearing Man who restored Judah to worshipping God, after a time in which the idolatrous worship of Israel had invaded Judah as well. He tore down the all altars built to other Gods and made a covenant with the people of Judah in which he called upon them to “seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul”; for they had found the truth that as a nation, the Lord was with them as long as they sought Him. When as a nation they turned their back on Him, they fell into chaos and despair. Then, one God-Fearing man would lead them back.
God’s love had remained steady; however, His provision and protection would not, could not. This was because in His love, He knew that their idolatrous hearts would only lead to further demise. True joy, peace, and love can only be found in a relationship with our creator. Our hearts were created to have union with Him. The farther we are drawn away, the harder our hearts become. We seek happiness in counterfeit joys, only to find despair in the end. Money, success, fame, relationships all leave our hearts empty. This is true of the individual; but, is also true of the nation. King Asa, one man, stood firm in his love for God and as such made a difference for the nation of Judah. Furthermore, King Asa reached out to make an alliance with King Ahab, hoping to make a difference. His son, Jehoshaphat continued in his footsteps.
One God Fearing Man
After the death of King Ahab, his son Jehoram became king over Israel. Jehoram abandoned the worship of Baal; however, continued to lead the nation in the worship of the golden calves rather than God. The Moabites, who had a treaty with King Ahab, now turned to battle against Israel. Therefore, King Jehoram reached out to King Jehoshaphat of Judah for help along with another nation’s king-the King of Edom. King Jehoshaphat agreed to help as did the King of Edom. Together they chose their route of attack; however, they found the land so dry that neither their herds nor their men could find water. As is the case with pseudo-followers of God, King Jehoram began to complain against God, saying He led them there to die at the hand of the Moabites. Yet, once more, one God fearing man would make the difference.
King Jehoshaphat, amid the out cries of King Jehoram against God, asked to seek a man of God to guide them. And so, it was that they came down to meet with Elisha. Elisha quickly said that only for the sake of King Jehoshaphat would he respond. (See 2 Kings 3:11-18). So, it was that God not only provided them with water, He also delivered them victory in battle. Not because of King Jehoram, nor the King of Edom; but, rather because of one man who sought after God—King Jehoshaphat. Only one God fearing man sought after God’s advice for the nation and that made the difference, that brought the victory.
What About Us?
Sometimes as we look around us to see the division, strife, and chaos within our nation, we shrug our shoulders and go on. But God has promised, no matter how bad it may look, if one God fearing man would pray and lead others to follow in prayer, He will heal the land. He may allow the chaos and the turmoil for a moment, only to awaken the hearts of His people. Without Him at the helm of the ship, our ship will sink. There is no hope of true joy or peace without Him.
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. (2 Chronicles 7:13-15).
You might think you are too insignificant to make a difference. However, the world has yet to see what one man or woman fully devoted to Jesus can do. Oh, but Lord help me to love you more, to seek you with every ounce of my heart, to pray more fervently and dying to self, let you live through me so others might find you.
Conclusion
[tweetthis]Lord, heal our land and let revival come-let it begin in me. [/tweetthis]
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Previous Post in This Series:
What Happens When We Fail to Teach Our Children?
How to Revive Barren Lands with Living Waters
Who will Carry the Torch for God Against Evil?
What if God’s Work Leaves You Alone and Depressed?
Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnote and Credits
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash