In our reading today, the divided nation (Israel) Northern and Southern kingdoms were entering into a battle cry. We can easily see a clear distinction of battle lines drawn between those who put their trust in God and those who focused on their own physical strength.

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Abijah (King of Judah) with four hundred thousand soldiers came to face Jeroboam (King of Israel) with eight hundred thousand warriors. Judah chose to obey God whereas Israel was drifting away from God’s plan. King Abijah in 2 Chr. 13:11 says: “…for we keep the command of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken Him.” When God chose the tribe of Levi to be the priests, Jeroboam appointed men of other tribes as priests and they offered sacrifices to idols which was a direct rebellion against God Himself.

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According to the divine plan, David’s descendants are to rule the Promised Land. But Jeroboam rebelled against Rehoboam, a descendant of David. In this way, he opposed the plan of God. The Scripture is very clear in Romans 13: 1-2: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Jeroboam and his men were defeated in the battle though they had a larger army.

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We see here Abijah and men of Judah standing in obedience proclaiming God’s plan in faith which ultimately bought the hand of God in their favour and the victory thereafter. Israel’s army under Jeroboam carried with them the idols of golden calves which brought curses on them and their disobedience and rebellion invited the final defeat and destruction. 

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The idols today for most people may not be images or figurines—but other things that have taken the place of God in their lives. If we value anything more than God, it becomes our idol which in turn invites the anger of God on us.

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This battle reminds us that when we face difficult situations in life that are like battles- we must believe that the battle belongs to God and trust in Him with all our heart, instead of trusting in our strength. “….When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19) We are to call on the Lord for His help and He is mighty to save! The Scripture reveals the victory path: ‘“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit ” says the LORD of hosts.’ (Zechariah 4:6). The battle belongs to the LORD!

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Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to trust in You than in my

strength that I may see Your victories in my life. Amen.

Listen- ‘The GOD of Angel Armies’