“O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 2 Chronicles 20:6 NLT
On Sunday our sermon was called “Jumpin Jehoshaphat!” If you’re old enough to remember this phrase being used when something was unbelievable or shocking. It was created in the mid 1800’s as a substitute for using God’s name and yet was Biblical. I think they picked him, because although loving God and wanting to serve Him, he didn’t listen to God’s direction and did some really stupid things. But one of the good things he did was to pray this prayer that is found in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12. Over the next few days, we’re going to take a deep dive into this prayer and see how we can use it as it applies to the times we’re in today.
Look at how King Jehoshaphat begins the prayer. He uses two names, first He calls out Lord and then calls Him the God of their ancestors who reigns from heaven. He’s letting Him know they are in awe of who He is and what He has done since the beginning of time and that He continues to rule from heaven on their behalf. He then goes on to say that He also rules all the kingdoms of this earth and is Sovereign. He begins to get down to business by acknowledging He has all power and might and no one and nothing can stand against Him.
How often do we begin our prayers addressing our Abba Father like that? For the only reason and purpose to let Him know we are awestruck as to Who He truly is and there is no one else like Him. I know we have been conditioned to see worship as singing, but when we come into His throne room, kneel and acknowledge His glory and honor Him we are worshipping Him. Especially when we remember that the Greek word for worship means to bow low and kiss, to show adoration and reverence.
When we truly know how much God loves, provides and protects us, we can’t help but worship Him and enter into His presence with adoring hearts. And how much that must bless our Father’s heart and like any loving father, would want to give his children what they are asking for. When we engage in worship, we’re not only showing love towards Abba, but we experience His love back to us and we know we are valued so greatly by Him. I encourage you if you don’t already do it, to try to begin your prayer with letting Him know you are coming into His presence in awe and wonder.
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