“Now behold, God is with us at our head and His priests with the signal trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” (13:12‬)

“Thus the sons of Israel were subdued at that time, and the sons of Judah conquered because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their fathers.” (13:18‬)

A civil war between the chosen peoples of God. If the matter of being chosen had solely to do with bloodlines, this would be an impossible battle to call. Isn’t the LORD bound by His covenant to Abraham for both sides?

No. Never. As the unfolding of later years would continue to demonstrate, the favor of the LORD doesn’t have to do with being born in the right family, it’s about faith.

The Northern Kingdom had replaced the LORD with golden calves, perhaps to represent an idea of Him, but generally because they no longer had political access to the temple for proper worship. While the armies of Judah were out-numbered and out-maneuvered, the LORD responded to their cries and gave them victory.

It can be all too easy to curate a sense of safety and stability based on resources, good odds, strategies and perhaps even familial legacy. But when push comes to shove, we find out how much of that is sinking sand.

The LORD is the only firm foundation, the only One worthy of full trust; able to bear the weight of life. History has taught us the this faith applies to all peoples. It’s not about being born Jewish. It’s not about being born anything, it’s about knowing and trusting the LORD, Creator God.

There’s plenty of faulty things to put our faith in. What are the things you find yourself tempted to have faith in more than the LORD? Do you find yourself feeling He owes it to you to be on “your side” because of some history? Ask Him about that today.

-Bethany