Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Step or Stand?

When Jehoshaphat discovered that he was under attack, he was essentially called to do two things; (1) to Step, and (2) to Stand.
2 Chronicles 20:3 says that he 'resolved to inquire of the LORD'.
Being a king, with many options available to him, he still chose to step into God's temple and seek the voice, the council and the instruction of the Lord. (It sounds simple i know, but considering yesterday's revelation; often because of pride, finding ourselves at the alter to inquire of the Lord can be the last step once we've run out of all other options, as apposed to being the first). Interesting also that if we do seek to find the council of the Lord, we usually seek to do it in private. I love that when Jehoshaphat stepped into the temple, Judah came with him; 'indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him' (2 Chronicles 20:4).
Then he stood up and began to intercede. (note: for all of us out there who are called to be priests of our own home, perhaps the revelation is this; we can't just seek the Lord's council for our family in private, we need to do it 'in the assembly' - with all of our family present...!).
Then came the instruction of the Lord;
Step onto the battle field (v16). March right into the centre of your conflict,
And then Stand!
'Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you' (v17).

This morning the Lord led me to the account of Jehoshaphat right after he led me to Ephesians 6:10-14 'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power'.
(I found this to be significant, again considering yesterday's revelation. To 'be strong' is to 'be strong in the Lord and in his might power', which in this case means to stop, stand in humility, and let the 'armour of God' as apposed to your own armor protect you. Bit like the army of Jehoshaphat!)
'Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...'


So are you stepping? or are you standing?

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