28/05/2017 - THE POWERFUL KING’S SIMPLICITY

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And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. 2 Chronicles 18:29

Simplicity is one of the traits of God’s servants. Although he was a servant of the Lord, Jehoshaphat let himself be led by the King of Israel. He showed his evilness on disguising himself and making Jehoshaphat dress in his robes like a king. Ahab knew that the Syrians sought to destroy Jehoshaphat who was not killed only because he cried out to the Most High. One has to be simple as a dove and prudent as a serpent (Matthew 10:16)

The war strategies of the natural man and the wicked will always be different from those of the children of God. Since the Lord goes on before us He teaches us how not to disturb His performance. Those who obey His directions will always succeed. In battle against darkness we need Him to guide out steps.

Jehoshaphat heard the “leader” Ahab give orders and did not notice the danger he was facing. Open to the attacks of the enemy, an arrow could have hit him. Ask God for wisdom for He is happy when we are wise. Before giving you word if you do not feel the testimony of the Lord, set aside some time to pray. However, if something opposes the Scriptures, refuse this.

It was good that Jehoshaphat knew how to cry out which everyone should learn, believing that when calling on the Most High they will be heard. When the Syrians saw it was the king’s chariot they soon thought it was Ahab’s and surrounded it. On seeing the menace, Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord and was heard and helped by Him. Lay hold of this word. If one day you are caught in a hard bind, call out to the Father because He knows how to steer away the enemies that are on the heels of His servants.

Maybe, on seeing Jehoshaphat encircled Ahab may have smiled. Now he could fight and win the battle and the war without divine assistance. What foolishness! Why despise the Creator, the Author of life? Why not serve the one and only true God? The King of Israel was convinced and conceited, he thought he could despise God from his life, he believed he could do wrong even to his friends and even so get along well always, but he was wrong.

One man, simple and humble, strung his bow and shot his arrow at large. With no explanation it penetrated Ahab through the joints of his shield. What aim this archer had! The truth is that this fete was not his ding, but that of a mysterious hand that took the arrow to hit the smart king and wound him mortally. Ahab was very strong in body but weak in faith. Even bleeding from his wounds he stood tall over the Syrians and died at sunset.

On the death of the King of Israel, Jehoshaphat returned to Judah, his kingdom. There God sent him a prophet to say some very hard things to Him. When the Father reprimands us we must accept the scolding and warning and thank Him for loving us. If you do wrong but regret and repent this means that the Lord loves you. You are His!

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares