Our God, you're the defender of the weak

READ: 2 Chronicles 13, 14; Psalms 6; Acts 7:1-36

SCRIPTURE:   2 Chronicles 14: 11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, "Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you."

OBSERVATION: Wars between a solid and mighty army versus a small and weak army is a familiar battle scene to all who read the Bible. We see that while the big army trusts its strength, the small but God-believing army depends on God to face its enemy. In 2 Chronicles 14, we see a similar scene where Asa had to go against a powerful and vast army. Asa, the third king of Judah, is known for his commitment to serve the Lord God and "did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God, "like David. However, his army strength was weak and not equal to his opponent's army. As Asa sought God for help, he knew that God was with him and that no other god could help like him. He confessed that God helps "the powerless against the mighty." So, Asa expresses his trust and dependence on God. It seems Asa had a better understanding of God's power than his enemies' might. As a king who placed his faith in God, Asa changed the battle to a war between God and mortal human beings. God is willing to help all people. However, only a person who recognizes his weaknesses and inabilities before God receives his immediate help. The vast army of the enemies could not stand before the god-relying army of Judah; The enemies "were crushed before the Lord and his forces." 

In our life, we may not have enemies like the mighty armies of ancient days. However, we still have our battles in various levels and places of the world. As compared to others, we may feel that we are weak and powerless. However, we should remember that our Lord Jesus has already overcome the world (Jn.16:33). It is easy for him to help the powerless and defend a weak person. We, too, can sing "there is none like you," when we put our trust in God, go against our enemies in God's name, and rely on him. Our confession about God plays a crucial role in our faith life to stand against the evil one. As we sing and meditate on God, we will see god-given victories in our life. We need not worry about a situation that is seemingly beyond our control. We can depend on our God, who always defends the weak and gives strength to the powerless ones. 

APPLICATION: When I face seemingly bigger problems and challenges and think that I am weak and powerless, I should immediately go to God instead of looking around to see if I could get any help. My God is concerned for the weak. He gives strength to those who confess their weaknesses and inabilities and acknowledge God's saving power. There is no one like him. I can always trust him. He never fails me.

PRAYER: Lord God, thank you for answering our emergency calls and saving us from dangers. I may be weak and powerless. But Lord, you are my defender; I rely on you. In your name, I will see victories and overcome my enemies. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel

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