The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. – 2 Chronicles 20:4

Today's Scripture Reading (January 15, 2023): 2 Chronicles 20

I admit that I find politics interesting. Maybe it is just my form of people-watching. And this is a great time to be a political watcher. And part of what I find interesting, albeit also distressing, is the division in politics. Take, for instance, the political situation from 2020 to 2022 in the United States. Division within the Democratic Party partially caused the hamstringing of the political process. Democrats struggled to make any political moves, especially early in the process, not because of Republican opposition but because of the division within their own ranks. And the world had the privilege of watching the process. And I was sure we all learned the lessons being taught throughout this process.

But apparently, I was wrong. The Republicans began their time controlling the United States Congress with the same kind of division that had characterized the last Democratic-led Congress. And I admit that division is entertaining, which is why most of our television shows are based around a division of some kind. I also think that, under certain situations, division is also educational. I have learned more from people who have held different ideas than I might believe than those who agree with me.

And to some extent, I am happy for the divisions in our midst. But I know that there is also a time when we need to come together, which is especially true when we need to get something done, something that maybe our politicians need to learn.

Jehoshaphat learns that a vast army is coming up from Edom and is about to attack Judah. But Jehoshaphat does not react with panic, sending his troops out to stop the invasion. He is true to his convictions and calls all of Judah together to enquire of God. Jehoshaphat wants the people to ask God two questions; What is it that you want from us, and how are you prepared to help us? And the author of Chronicles tells us that Judah was united in pursuing these questions. People from all over the nation came to the Temple in Jerusalem to make their requests to God. They came from every town in Judah. There were no holdouts or dissenters in the process. They all wanted the same thing, so they made their petitions to God as a united people.

I have a dream of the church reacting the same way. The Apostle Paul writes to his protégé Timothy, sending him a clear message;

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6).

What if this was our "Jehoshaphat" moment? What if, even amid our differences in belief, we came together, recognizing the role of God in our lives? What if we prayed for all of the people, including those who agree with us and those who don't, our leaders and the leaders who scare us, all so that we might live peaceful lives, knowing God wants all of us to be saved? What if we all prayed for God's saving grace to be spread everywhere we go, unifying our actions in that direction and sharing our love with those who need it? What if? Would you join me in that prayer? 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 21