Ok, so I’m guessing when it comes to “Unorthodox Battle Plans for 200, Alex” that we’re probably all queued up with “Who is Joshua?” or “What is Jericho?” or “What is a Great Shout?” as answers. Face it, that’s probably where we are most likely to go when we think of “over the top” battle plans that clearly demonstrate that God is the source of our victories. How come? ‘Cause we learned it in Sunday School from the time we were old enough to go to Sunday School . . . and because it’s much easier for little kids to say Joshua than it is to say Jehoshaphat.

Joshua was told to march around a city wall daily and then, on the seventh day, shout with a great shout . . . “and the walls came a tumblin’ down.” But Jehoshaphat was told to walk onto the battle field . . . stand still . . . and see the salvation of the Lord (2Chronicles 20:17). And, because He believed God, Jehoshaphat innovated a bit. Not only would he stand still and see . . . but he, and his people, they would sing, as well.

Unlike his father, Asa, who “strengthened himself” when he was threatened and purchased some “foreign muscle” to deal with his enemies, when Jehoshaphat is threatened by a “great multitude coming against him” (20:2), in his fear he “sets himself to seek the LORD” (20:3). He calls together all of Judah to “seek the LORD” (20:4). And he prays, “”O LORD God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? . . . we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (20:6, 12)

That’s what you do when you don’t know what to do. That’s where you go when you don’t know where to go. You set your eyes upon God . . . you acknowledge His glorious Person and Power . . . and you seek Him with all your heart. And you remember that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (20:15b). It’s an act of faith . . . it’s really believing what you say you really believe.

God responds to Jehoshaphat, “You will not need to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you . . . do no fear . . . for the LORD is with you” (20:17). Some battles we need to fight, others we need help . . . sometimes lots of help . . . we need God to intervene and say, “Stand still and see.”

And Jehoshaphat believes the word of the LORD. Immediately he’s facedown worshiping the LORD. Then they’re standing up praising the LORD God of Israel with voices loud and high (20:18-19). Nothing’s happened at this point . . . nothing’s changed . . . no enemy yet defeated . . . but the response is such that having God’s assurance is enough to calm the heart, raise the spirit, and loose the tongue in praise and worship to a faithful, trustworthy God.

And so, the next morning, they leave their swords at home and pick up their lawn chairs and head off to the battle field . . . Jehoshaphat encouraging them, “Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established” (20:20). And then the king innovates and improvises . . . “he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever.'” (20:21)

God said, “The battle is mine” . . . they believed it. God said, “Stand still and see” . . . and they did it And then they began to sing and to praise the beauty of holiness . . . the glory of heaven. And they witnessed the power of God and experienced the thrill of “victory in Jesus!” . . . for His glory . . . for their blessing.

“I’ll take ‘Unorthodox Battle Plans’ for 500, Alex” . . . “Who is Jehoshaphat?” . . . “What is the battle is the LORD’s?” . . . “What is stand still, see, and sing to the beauty of holiness?” . . . amen!