Jumpin' Jehosaphat knows what to do ...

A noted pundit recently wrote the Republican Party is doomed to failure if its best hope is for the Democrats' united front to splinter into unproductive disunity.

That may well be, but the comment started me thinking about a favorite Bible passage, one that I've not only included in sermons but taken to heart as God's way of facing overwhelming odds.

"Jumpin' Jehosaphat!" Perry White, editor of the Daily Planet, often blurted that name on the old TV series right before Superman soared into action. So when, as a new Christian, my Bible studies came across the name, I was interested. First of all, there was nothing in 2nd Chronicles chapter 20 about Jehosaphat jumping. But what I found was and is invaluable.

Jehosaphat was king when the united armies of three enemy nations marched on Judah. He called for God's help, and the people came together in a nation-wide prayer meeting. "...We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us," the king prayed. "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

Then the Holy Spirit came upon Jahaziel, a priest, who spoke God's response. It sure wasn't the answer I was expecting, but I've done as instructed, and I assure you IT WORKS!

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army," Jahaziel said. "The battle is not yours, it's God's. ... You will not have to fight this battle."

The next day, before Judah had to face the combined enemy that threatened their country, their very lives, Jehosaphat bowed to the ground and worshipped. Inspired, the king arose and told the people to "have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful."

What Jehosaphat then ordered just doesn't make sense, certainly not for military warfare. But this was spiritual warfare, just as it is today.

The king actually assembled a choir on the front line and had the singers march out AHEAD of Judah's soldiers! As the choir began to sing praises, the Lord went to work on Judah's behalf. One enemy army turned against another and then the third. Nobody was left alive when Jehosaphat arrived on the battlefield.

Prayer and praises to God won the day way back then. They still do today.

The Democrats represent a massive combination of God's enemies. Many are evil, or at least under Satan's control. And evil, by definition, cannot long stay united. God will see to it -- IF we will follow the example of Jehosaphat: Pray and praise, because the battle belongs to the Lord.

We do not know what to do, Lord, but our eyes are on You.