Blessed Appearance

Blessed Appearance

2 Chronicles 20:14-22 

When the nation of Israel were faced with a  life threatening situation when a coalition of hostile nations advanced to attack. What made the difference was the Spirit of God who came upon Jehaziel. When you receive God’s blessed assurance and you adhere to it by faith, God’s presence comes.  God is always with his people but shows up or manifests by evidently doing something to encourage them or to meet their needs. Jehaziel brought a prophetic word of hope and military intelligence that strengthened the people of God.

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD to you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God‘s.  To-morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.  Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to-morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 

The word turned them from despair to loud praise and boldness. When you bow to God you will stand before anything else. Bowing at his feet is the highest place humanity can attain. Led by the Kohathites they stood up from despair to clarion praise and display of boldness. They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and marched against their enemies encouraging one another - Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.  King Jehoshaphat who was clearly inspired to provide leadership appointed singers to the LORD. They sang praises of God’s unending mercy and the beauty of his holiness.  As they broke into song God who earlier appeared in word now appeared in action – He miraculously ambushed the hostile nations and defeated them.  

God has welcomed you into his sanctuary where you experience his manifest and active presence. In Christ, you cannot enjoy his presence if he is not appearing tangibly. Jacob exclaimed ‘surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not!’ (Genesis 28:16).  You live with God and build a sanctuary for him through praise (2 Chronicles 5:13). He provides shelter, solace, daily supplies and shares meals. You sit with him in his lounge for refreshing conversations. When he appears, you can hear him, see him, touch him, smell him and feel him. You can taste and see that he is good (Psalm 34:8).

God’s appearance is the result of the covenant with him. His desire is to be with you and for you to be with him. God’s appearance is our means for achievement. Cry for the revelation of his glory. ‘O Lord  GOD , thou hast begun  to shew  thy servant  thy greatness , and thy mighty  hand : for what God  is there in heaven or in earth , that can do  according to thy works , and according to thy might (Deut 3:24)?’  The show of his glory in daily life, which culminates with his second coming, is the believers’ present and ultimate victory. How sweet when as is often the case, Christ  suddenly appears when needed, just like he will in the end when he returns. His appearance is our sure hope. That is what breaking of bread celebrates. He has appeared, is appearing everyday,  and shall appear again. God not only appears to his people but through his people to communities. The community of believers is Christ incarnate. 

Three secrets for his appearance:

>> Silence.  Silence tunes into God’s voice.  Seek the awareness of God’s presence by consecrating yourself to God and silencing competing voices.  Shut out strange voices that cause fear to hear the inspiring still small voice.  Speak and act what God is saying. Even when you see walls and threats, you do not have to say and do all the things you ever imagine. If you did that always, where would you be?  Jehaziel heard and pronounced the voice of God in the midst of the enemy advance (2 Chronicles 20:14).

 >>Song of praise ... hear and proclaim  the still voice of God. Praise brings the awareness of God. That is how Jehoshaphat won (2 Chronicles 20:14-22). The battle is the Lord’s but the victory is yours.  And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, who were come against Judah; and they were smitten.  That is also how Joshua overcame the walls of Jericho (Hebrews 11:30). 

>> Shout of praise … Led by the Kohathites they stood up from despair in shouts of praise. Shouts are a display of boldness. Shouts are a weapon of warfare. Shouts are an expression of faith. Shouts inspire those present and terrify the enemy. Shouts of faith touch God’s heart and hand.

>> Surrender… Trust and obey.  They believed God’s word and followed the instructions of his prophets (2 Chronicles 20:14-22). Obedience activates the power in God’s presence. The Holy Spirit has come therefore be a Spirit led believer (Acts 2). Pray in the Spirit until burden lifts. Church growth is less about numbers than it is about life and worship.

>>Shelter… They belonged to a community of believers and assembled in the name of Jehovah with one accord (2 Chronicles 20:14-22; Acts 2).  Agree in seeking God’s glory. Unity and agreement attracts his awareness and strength. It puts his right hand of favour to action. Ps 16:1 - in you I trust. I have taken shelter in you. Come close, lets close the gap and  share his presence.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa