Have any of you ever read the story of the men of Judah vs. the men of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir? It's a crazy, amazing story! (read 2 Chronicles 20 for the full story) Basically, Ammon, Moab and mount Seir are in a war with Judah. The men of Judah are way outnumbered and cannot figure out how to get out of this battle alive. So what does their king do? He puts singers on the front lines. That's right - singers. He tells them to "praise the beauty of [the Lord's] holiness ... and to say, 'Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever'" (v. 21). ... Let's just pause and picture this for a moment - the national army of Judah is suited up and ready for battle. It's a battle they know they can't win, but they're going in anyway. And then, on the way to meet their enemies, their king stops all forward movement and appoints people to stand in the front lines and PRAISE THE LORD. Not exactly the tactic I would use, but clearly it works ... The very next verse says, "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir ... and they were smitten." And this smitten does not mean in love, let me tell you that right now. Know how I know? Because when the men of Judah get to the watchtower and look out to see what they're up against - all they can see is dead bodies. Can you imagine the shock?? They're expecting to see 3 national armies, armed and ready to attack and kill, and instead they see dead people everywhere. That must have been an awesome moment!
What lesson do I take away from this? Be ready for battle, but remember to praise God through it all because ultimately He's the one that will bring the victory.
(this story was preached by Pastor David at Christian Assembly this Sunday while I was visiting - his sermon title was "Praise to God")
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