| Sunny Side Up Feb. 16, 2005 � 2005 Kathleen Gibson Dusting off the Bible Its contents have shaped cultures, but it's vanishing from our collective consciousness. In the developed world, the Bible remains the most ignored best-seller of the ages. In the next months, I intend to bring it back for occasional cameo appearances by retelling stories found between its covers. They advanced as one, Judah's tiny army. Not well equipped, but each soldier marched with steely eye and sharpened sword. The enemy, a vast company of allies - a well-oiled killing machine - snaked toward them. Man for man, sword for sword, Judah hadn't a hope. They marched on nevertheless. To a man, they knew the intimidating odds. If their swords, tucked now in their scabbards, were once raised, before the edges of the day frayed into night their meager ranks would be no ranks at all. Each soldier's mind replayed yesterday's events at the temple courtyards. All of Judah - men, women, and children had gathered there, by the king's orders. They came hungrily - not for eagerness to see their beloved king, but with vacant stomachs and singing intestines - results of King Jehoshaphat's recently declared national fast. They forgot their hunger when the king prayed. His back to his people, he stood, face uplifted. "O, Lord God of our fathers, aren't you God in heaven, and don't you rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and isn't power and might in your hand, so that no one is able to withstand you?" Was this a prayer or a challenge? Jehoshaphat's voice strengthened, reminding God - in case he'd forgotten - of how he'd helped them in the past. Suddenly his voice broke and through the demeanor of a king emerged the heart of a man. Afraid, desperate. All Judah leaned nearer to hear his next words, a whisper that wearied hope like the morning fog wearies old bones. "We have no power against this great multitude coming against us. We don't know what to do..." And Judah sighed. Jehoshaphat paid no attention. He stood as though not alone there atop the stairs; and when he spoke again it was as if to someone visible; more powerful than he. Lifting his hands and looking skyward, he finished slowly, humbly, "But our eyes are on you." Jahaziel the priest stepped forward, his face afire. "Listen, my king. Listen, Judah. God wants you to know this: Do not be afraid. This battle is not yours, but God's. Go against this enemy tomorrow. He will go with you." Jehoshaphat listened, his confidence rising. When the troops streamed out of camp the next morning, Judah's best musicians - singers, harpists, trumpeters - marched on the front line, advancing into the very throat of the enemy; no weapon but a song. Now that song carried backwards on the breeze, interrupted the marching soldiers' thoughts. "Praise the Lord�.his mercy endures forever." Before the day ended, tiny Judah's enemies had annihilated each other. Not one drop of Judite blood had spilled. Read the whole story in 2 Chronicles 20, and think about your own battles. Respond here Return home |
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