Relying on God

Division. The nation that God had promised to Abraham, shown Moses, conquered with Joshua, and given to Saul, David, and Solomon, is now a nation divided. Poor leadership, rebellion, and false worship fill the land. In the north, Israel worships golden calves, idols from their past which have risen up and enslaved them again. As time moves forward, Jeroboam, king of Israel, has grown to trust in his own might and the power of his armies. In the southern kingdom, Asa, grandson of Rehoboam and great-grandson of Solomon, rules as king of Judah. Conflict breaks out between the two nations and between the two kings. The battle lines are drawn and Asa marches out to war with 400,000 chosen warriors. Jeroboam meets him on the battle field with twice his number – 800,000 men of Israel stand ready to fight. Asa chooses to call on God, while Jeroboam sneaks an ambush behind Judah’s army. The battle begins, but overwhelming odds, the strategy of men, and the cunning of Jeroboam are no match for the might of God. Second Chronicles 13:18 says, “Thus the men of Israel were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers.” It is a great reminder that when we face the world, we have a faithful God that can bring victory.