How can we apply Jehoash's military actions to our spiritual battles today? Jehoash’s Military Snapshot “Now as for the rest of the acts of Jehoash—everything he did and the might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah—are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?” (2 Kings 13:12) Jehoash (also called Joash) recorded decisive victories: • Three times he struck Aram and recovered the Israelite cities (2 Kings 13:25). • He later defeated Amaziah of Judah (2 Kings 14:11–13). Our Battlefield Today • We do not war “according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3–4). • The enemy is spiritual: sin, Satan, and the hostile world system (Ephesians 6:11–12). • Jehoash’s literal battles illustrate how believers fight spiritual ones. Principle 1 — Seek God’s Word Before You Strike • Jehoash went to the prophet Elisha for guidance (2 Kings 13:14). • Scripture is our briefing room: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Action step: Begin every conflict—temptation, discouragement, decision—by opening God’s Word. Principle 2 — Follow the Lord’s Strategy, Not Your Own • “Open the east window … shoot!” (2 Kings 13:17). God set the plan. • We stand firm by the armor God supplies, not human ingenuity (Ephesians 6:13–17). • Action step: Ask, “What does Scripture plainly tell me to do here?” then do it, even if it feels unusual or risky. Principle 3 — Strike Until the Enemy Falls • Jehoash struck the ground only three times; Elisha was angry because five or six strikes would have brought complete victory (2 Kings 13:18–19). • Half-hearted obedience limits blessing; persistent obedience secures fuller victory (Galatians 6:9; James 4:7). • Action step: Keep fighting lust, fear, bitterness, or doubt until it is driven out—no truce, no shortcuts. Principle 4 — Rely on God’s Strength, Not Personal Bravado • The text calls Jehoash’s exploits “might,” yet Scripture also shows the victory ultimately came from the Lord’s promise (2 Kings 13:17). • “Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war” (Psalm 144:1). • Action step: Confess dependence every day; thank God in advance for the strength He will supply. Principle 5 — Record and Remember the Victories • Jehoash’s deeds were written down (2 Kings 13:12). • Remembering past deliverances fuels faith for the next battle (Psalm 77:11–12). • Action step: Keep a spiritual journal noting temptations resisted, prayers answered, and breakthroughs gained. Practical Application Checklist • Daily briefing in Scripture—read, meditate, obey. • Suit up with every piece of God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10–18). • Persist: when tempted, strike again with the Word (Matthew 4:1–11). • Rely on God’s power—pray “deliver me” rather than “watch me.” • Chronicle victories to build a heritage of faith for yourself and others (Romans 15:4). |
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