Popcorn and the Pass of Ziz

OT: 2 Chronicles 16-20
NT: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

2 Chronicles 20:14-17 — Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”

Ancient popcorn vendors must've loved the prophecy of Jahaziel. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon the Levite and he proclaimed, "You will not have to fight this battle... stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD," vendors all across Judah had reason for celebration. God was going to do all the fighting! The soldiers were supposed to just show up, stand in line and watch the show. "Popcorn! Getcha popcorn heya!" God often showed His sovereignty and might in the Old Testament by winning miraculous victories on behalf of His people. Though He often accompanied human combat with a miracle, like when He made the sun stand still for Joshua, He also occasionally left us people out, like here. Remember Gideon? He had 300 men and didn't even have to swing a sword to defeat the Midian army.

This story goes to show us that God is the one who really does the fighting, no matter how it appears on earth. He stands sovereign over all creation and swings His sword in defense of His people. If you need help, all you have to do is cry out to the Lord. And He will be swift to save. And as you watch your deliverance play out before you... getcha popcorn ready and enjoy!

Be God's.