Despite the prophecy of Micaiah warning King Ahab of the disaster that will befall Israel if he went into battle with King of Syria, King Ahab rejected Micaiah and was disobedient to God. Ironically, he appeared to have taken part of Micaiah’s prophecy seriously by disguising himself. Despite asking to inquire of a prophet of the Lord, King Jehoshaphat was disobedient and went into battle together with King Ahab. However, he agreed to wear his robes to go into battle.

Just as was foretold, Ahab died in battle. However, in times of danger, Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord and the Lord helped him. Out of God’s grace and mercy, He had spared Jehoshaphat from the death that he deserved for having been disobedient to God’s Word. God was also gracious to Jehoshaphat by sending Jehu to convict Jehoshaphat of his sins.

Jehoshaphat was repentant. He went out and brought his people back to the Lord. He appointed judges to serve as agent for God, a source for His justice. Jehoshaphat instructed the judges to faithfully apply God’s law in resolving all disputes. Finally, he encouraged his people to “deal courageously”, knowing that God will be with them when they did.

Ahab and Jehoshaphat had both disobeyed the Word of God. However, in this passage, Jehoshaphat humbled himself and called out to the Lord in times of danger. He also repented of his sins when he was convicted of them, and took active steps to restore God’s justice. Jehoshaphat was victorious when he fought the battle on God’s side.

Have we been disobedient to God’s Word? We will probably not be able to say that we are obedient to God every moment of our life. God knows that too, and He had been continually reaching out to us, so that we may turn back to Him. Today, we are able to turn back to God because Jesus Christ had died on the cross for our sins, and was resurrected three days later. When He ascended, the Holy Spirit indwelled in us, teaching and helping us. We are able to fight our daily battles when we fight them with God. We can reject disobedience because God is with us. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the grace and mercy of our Lord. When our hearts are convicted of our disobedience and our sins, may we also repent of them, and submit to our Lord. May we also courageously serve our Lord, because He has promised to be with us. We have no fear when we fight our battles with God.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for fighting my battles, thank you for convicting me of my sins. Help me, O Lord, to continually turn towards You, to submit to Your authority, and to serve You courageously. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.