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For the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. II Chronicles 20:27
The more I read about King Jehoshaphat, the more I like him. He was far from being perfect, but he didn't have some of the major character flaws that David and Solomon had. He was definitely a leader and led the people back to God, even as he led them into battle against the enemy. Jehoshaphat was also in front of the people as they joyfully made their way back to Jerusalem after their great victory.
Can you picture in your mind the scene that is set before us? After being terrified by their enemies, and in fear for their lives, they pray to God in faith, and ask for His deliverance. In a very real sense, God didn't give them what they asked for. He gave them much more than they could ask or think. Even after three days of plundering their enemies, they couldn't carry it all away, verse 25.
The dilemma they were in at the beginning made their deliverance and victory much, much sweeter and enjoyable. The blue skies with sunshine always seem more beautiful after the storm. We enjoy health and are more thankful for it after a time of sickness. The dull boring times in life are received with joy and gladness after a long period of stress, mental pressure, and hardship. The faith and obedience of the people of Judah, was followed by abundant blessing and rejoicing. Their joy was multiplied and made complete as they shared with others all that God had done for them.
Remember the old Swedish proverb I used before, the first line of that verse became a reality for the people of Judah, "Shared joy is double joy." Verse 27 says, "For the Lord made them rejoice." I don't think they had a choice; they were so overwhelmed by God's blessing; they couldn't contain their praise.
Aren't we the same way today! If I could get someone to listen, I would love to tell the true story of how I shot a nine-point buck in 2020. Just as I was ready to quit, to leave the stand and head for the house, this big buck came along. What a hunting experience it was.
People love to tell others about the glory and quality of the old house they have remodeled and restored. Some people love to praise their street-rods with all the aluminum and chrome on the engine. They even want to start up the engine that has 450 horsepower, so you can hear the sound. People praise their guns, boats, beach house, wife, husband, dog, flower garden, black diamond steaks, and even coffee. Their fulfillment and joy are made complete as they share with others the enjoyment and pleasure they get from these things.
This is really what happened to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They were overjoyed at the deliverance God brought about, and they couldn't be silent about it. Their joy and satisfaction bubbled up within to the point that it overflowed; they had to share with others what God had done for them. God poured out His blessings on them to the point they couldn't take it all. What's so amazing is that even people today are rejoicing over the great victory God gave His people around 2,800 years ago.
Here is the nugget of truth we want to get from our text today. When we are satisfied and rejoicing in our God, He receives honor, glory, and praise from us, as we give testimony to His grace and goodness. Are we telling others about the gracious care and provision of our God? If we do, it will have an effect on all of us as we share the good news. Comments or questions, contact me at: thoughtsonword@gmail.com
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Lyndon Stimeling, of Richfield, has been writing about faith and family for many years. He has self-published three books, "Common Thoughts on The Word" in 2016 and "Eye of a Needle" in 2017 and "Common Thoughts on The Word II" in 2019. He has also had articles published in The Coming Home Journal and local newspapers and has written a children's book.