Worship as a weapon (Part two)
If you haven’t read “Part One” of this post reflecting on Worship as a Weapon, I encourage you to read that one first, as it sets the stage and the context for what is continued here. Go ahead, read it. I’ll still be here when you get back.
Welcome back!
If it’s true, as Psalm 22:3 highlights, that God inhabits the praises of his people, then our worship is oh so much more than just singing. It means that God is present, in a special way, when we lift our voices to him in praise and worship. Did you know that Jesus spoke the words of Psalm 22:1 from the cross? Perhaps in the worst moment of torment Jesus would ever know – the Son reminds himself, “…yet you are the Holy One; enthroned on the praises of Israel.” Jesus knew that God was present and in control, ruling over his hour of greatest need. God the Father had not abandoned him. God was working out his sovereign plan, and the Messiah would soon be delivered – risen on the third day with resurrection power!
The battle is the Lord’s! It’s not just a powerful worship song by Rebecca St. James (insert link to Spotify song by St. James) but a biblical truth highlighted in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. A vast army of Moabites and the Ammonites were on their way to wage war against the Israelites. The text says, “…alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” His speech before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in verses 6-12 is powerful!
Picking up at verse 14, “Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah...as he stood in the assembly. He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not your, but God’s…you will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”
At this, the text says, “Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Hohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.’ After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’”
Without lifting a sword, or drawing a single bow the Israelites were victorious over the armies of Ammon and Moab – to the last man, they destroyed one another – the battle was the Lord’s! And, to this very day the valley is called the Valley of Berakah; the Valley of Praise!
If I’m completely honest, I’m still working on applying the truth that worship is a weapon to my life. In the throes of the battle I don’t always remember to worship. In my “midnight moments” of testing and trial; prayer, praise and thanksgiving aren’t always my first thoughts. But I’m learning and growing.
And, I’m regularly adding to my “worship as a weapon” Spotify playlist! It’s been one of the best ways that I’ve been able to incorporate worship into the other 167 hours of the week – right there at the ready when I need them. Maybe it’s time for you to do the same? Let’s transform our smartphones into spiritual weapons – after all, we carry them around more than we do our Bibles anyway, right? Ouch!
I’ll see you, down the road.
