Sermon Notes, February 26, 2012
George Stevenson
Rev. George
Stevenson, assistant to the District Superintendant, preached for us on Sunday,
bringing greetings from Dr. Phil Fuller and assuring us that the District is
working to find the right pastor for us in Culpeper. His sermon was based on 2 Chronicles 20, the
story of how God came to the rescue of His people during the reign of
Jehoshaphat.
Messengers had
come to the king telling him of the enemy’s approach. They were surrounded, and it looked as though
they were about to be attacked. King
Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and he called his people to prayer and fasting. The people gathered at the temple, and
Jehoshaphat prayed. He prayed three
affirmations of faith:
God is
Sovereign. (v. 6) Jehoshaphat acknowledged
the power of God. He focused the
attention of the people on God, not on the problem. As is true today, God is
still on the throne. Job said, “The Lord
gave, and the Lord takes away.” (Job 1:21)
We need to focus on God, and not on our problems.
Our God is
Faithful. (v. 7) Jehoshaphat reminded the people how God had been faithful in the past, driving out
the inhabitants of the land and giving it to Israel
God can do
anything. (v. 15-17) Jehoshaphat affirmed that he—and the
people—didn’t know what to do, but they would look to Him to save them. God answered, saying “The battle is not
yours, but the Lord’s.” God gave them
instructions to stand firm, not to be discouraged, and go out and face them: He
would be with them. They stepped out in
faith, singing and praising Him. God
took care of the enemy—the Children of Israel didn’t even have to raise a
finger, and all the armies were defeated. (v. 22-24)
We, too, need to
focus on God, trust in Him, and step out in faith. He is in control, He is faithful, and He can
do anything.
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