READING:
One-year plan: 2 Chronicles 29-32
Two-year plan: Psalm 119:1-44, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
———-
It’s another one of those cool verses about warfare in the Bible — a verse that speaks about God’s power and willingness to fight the battles for His own. Sennacherib King of Assyria threatened to attack Jerusalem, and Hezekiah prepared his forces in turn by blocking off the water, repairing the walls, creating weapons, and appointing military leaders. With all those preparations, though, the king still knew that victory rested in the hands of God: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chron 32:7-8a).
There is so much in this verse. First, when God is with us, we have no reason to fear — regardless of the size of the enemy forces. Second, God with us automatically means that there are more on our side than on the enemy’s side. God alone conquers all. Third, the arm of flesh — human strength — is no match for God. Fourth, God fights our battles for us. When we know these truths, we can respond like the people did: “And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah king of Judah said” (2 Chron 32:8b).
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you strong and courageous as you follow the Lord?
PRAYER: “Father, give me strength and courage.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: 2 Chronicles 33-36
Two-year plan: Psalm 119:45-82, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
MEMORIZATION VERSE (May 16-31)
“O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chron 20:12)
*first published in 2016