1 Chronicles 5:19-26 The Battle Is The Lord's

Last week I shared a word about being bold and standing for the truth of God. This passage speaks to the same subject. The tribes (Reuben, Gad and Manasseh) were successful as long as they cried out to God and trusted Him. Throughout the history of Israel we read about God's faithfulness. As they trusted Him they received His deliverance from their enemies and prosperity as a people. When they rebelled the consequences of their rebellion would eventually force them back to God (e.g. Judges 4:1-ff.).

How like human nature. When in trouble we are quick enough to seek God's help but when blessing and prosperity and peace come to us we quickly forget Him. In those times (when we forget God) our own "ways" and "preferences" lead us astray. Soon we are found worshipping false gods (our preferences, our own ideas of what is right and just, etc.) and are in rebellion to the one true God.

The consequence? We find that we have deserted God's ways and His protection only to expose ourselves to the very thing from which God had delivered us. Once again we turn to our old ways like a dog returning to his vomit. We may turn to alcohol, to gambling, or otherwise indulge our flesh in an attempt to find happiness or answers. Having once known the joy of serving God we soon begin to seek satisfaction in our own deeds.

What a wonderful thing to know that "...the battle is God's." (verse 22). Even when we face antagonists that could overwhelm us in the natural we can stand in confidence and "see the salvation of the Lord". On the other hand, what a shock to suddenly find ourselves facing our enemy alone! That is eventually what happened to Israel. Their protracted rebellion against the Lord and against His prophets ended up in their capture and living in exile. For the Northern tribes (Israel) it meant virtual annihilation so that they have been referred to as the "ten lost tribes of Israel". That is what eventually happened to the above mentioned tribes. (verse 25-26).

And that is how they are remembered, as ones who "prostituted themselves". All who turn to any but the God who created them are in that same position, but how much worse for those of us redeemed by the Messiah, grafted in as His own people who then turn to our own ways.

"Lord Jesus, grant your grace and power in our hearts that we might not turn away nor sin against you, but continue to serve you fully all the days of our life. Make us faithful, O Lord. Do in us what we cannot do that we might bring glory to You. Amen"

Bob Goldsby

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City Harvest Church Vancouver, WA