The Daily Word: Monday, August 2nd, 2021
2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13
Romans 15:23-16:9
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 20:16-18
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. – 2 Chron. 32:8
The King of Assyria was approaching Jerusalem to attack the city. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, knew the Lord would defend him! He was confident that God would fight the battle for him. But he still got ready. This is what many Christians do not fully appreciate. God will defend you! But there is still action required as you wait on His defense.
Hezekiah stopped up the streams and springs that delivered water to the land of Judah. He didn’t want the armies of Assyria to arrive and “find much water” (v 4). You know Satan comes to “steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10)! Knowing that he is approaching, it is your job to stop up any sin and wickedness in your life so that when he arrives, he has nothing on which to feed.
Hezekiah “strengthened himself” and improved Jerusalem’s defenses (v 5). He repaired the broken walls around the city, “built another wall outside” (v 5), and “made weapons and shields in abundance” (v 5). What does this mean for you? Get full of the Word of God! God’s Word is both your weapon and your defense. As you fill yourself up with the Word of God, you make yourself impenetrable when Satan attacks.
Hezekiah got ready! God would defend Jerusalem. But that didn’t mean Hezekiah could just sit back and wait for the enemy to arrive. He prepared! In the same way, God will defend you. But that does not excuse you from being wise and getting ready for the enemy’s attack. Cut off all evil and wickedness from your life. Build up your defenses and get full of the Word of God! And then wait in faith for God to finish the great work He started in you.
Prayer:
Father, help me to get ready! I am confident You will defend me. I also know it is my responsibility to do everything I can to get ready for the enemy’s offensive. I will get ready as I wait on You, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.