“Our Eyes Are on You”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-23)
The coming of a new year is a time of hopeful anticipation of good things to come, and that’s appropriate. But if we’re honest, many also have some apprehension about what might come in 2026.
A. What is the one thing you fear most might happen in the coming year?
A terrible
medical diagnosis? Financial disaster? The death of a loved one?
Your own death?
Trouble in your family?
Further disintegration of a society already moving toward chaos?
B. And if the worst happens, how will you respond?
C. 2 Chron 20:12 gives the perfect answer: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
D. You may not know what will happen, or what to do about whatever does happen, but regardless, the appropriate response is to keep your eyes on God.
1. When Jehoshaphat spoke those words, Judah was in trouble - serious trouble.
A. Several tribes had come together to invade them, & they were knocking at the door. They are described as a “great multitude” (v. 2) and a “great horde” (vs. 12 & 15). Apparently, the Judean forces were badly outnumbered.
B. These tribes were from the area of Edom, south and east of Judah, and were people the Israelites had been forbidden to attack when passing through during their wilderness wanderings.
C. Why? Because they were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother, so were related to the people of Israel. So they were warned not to attack them. You can read about it in Deut 2:4-6.
D. Now they had turned against the people of Judah and were posed for the attack.
E. Jehoshaphat’s response was to call all of the people together to “seek the Lord,” & to proclaim a fast.
F. As they worshiped, he cried out to God, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
G. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Faced with a problem and having no idea how to handle the situation. So we simply cry out to God.
2. According to vs. 13-23, God heard and answered.
A. While the people were assembled, a prophet named Jahaziel received a revelation from God: “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehosha-
phat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s’.”
B. Then he told them to go out and meet their enemies and stand firm - not to fight, but “to see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf.”
C. And in response, the people worshiped: “And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the mean of Ammon, Moab, & Mt. Seir. . . so that they were routed” (v. 22).
D. An amazing turn of events happened. The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the Edomites and destroyed them, then turned on each other, so that “they all helped to destroy one another.”
E. Why? Because Judah’s eyes were on God!
F. That’s what we all need to do when faced with things that frighten us: keep our eyes on God.
3. But how do you do that? What does it mean to “have your eyes on God”?
The text answers that question:
A. You have your eyes on God when you make up your mind to seek God.
1. V. 3 - “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD.” What does “set his face” mean??
2. It means he made a conscious decision to seek God and to trust Him in this dangerous situation.
3. Luke 9:51 - Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem.” When He knew it was time to go to Jerusalem and face His destiny on the Cross, He “set his face” in that direction. It indicates firm resolution.
4. It’s similar to what Daniel 1:8 says: “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” The King James Version expresses it even better: “Daniel purposed in his heart
that he would not defile himself. . . .”
5. If you’re frightened about the future, resolve to seek the LORD and put the situation in His hand.
6. Follow Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:6-7, not to be anxious about anything, but in everything to seek God in prayer. The result: The “peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
B. You have your eyes on God when you ask Him for help.
1. V. 4 - “And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD, and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.”
2. In vs. 6-12 Jehoshaphat led the people in prayer and cried out to God, ”We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
3. I.e.,, “We can’t handle this, but we know you can!”
C. You have your eyes on God when you listen to God’s word.
1. In vs. 14ff, Jahaziel revealed God’s plan: He would fight for them: “The battle is not yours but God’s.”
2. There was still something fo them to do. Jahaziel instructed them to go out in full battle array, just as if they were going to attack; he told them exactly where to go and what to do.
3. Above all, they were to “Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf.” They listened, and they obeyed. It must have been tempting to take matters in their own hands and attack, but they didn’t.
4. This is not a promise that you will receive a personal, direct revelation from God giving directions about your situation. But you should listen to the word your already have in Scripture, and obey it.
5. Sometimes when we’re frightened or troubled, we forget that we have a source of divine guidance at our disposal. It’s always been there, but we’re not always listening.
6. “Will Scripture give me a specific, step-by-step set of directions as God gave to Judah?”
7. Not likely, but it will remind you Who is in charge, and to “stand firm” in your faith and in the principles that have always guided you.
8. Above all, don’t abandon God and seek to remedy the situation on your own.“See the salvation of the LORD on your behalf.”
D. You have your eyes on God when you worship Him, even before the problem is
resolved.
1. V. 21 - “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” I.e., they gave thanks before their enemies were defeated!
2. V. 22 - “And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush.”
3. Worshiping before the problem was solved showed their faith that it would be. They were thanking and praising God as if the victory were already won.
4. A good practice as you pray: Make your requests known to God - then thank Him for answering your prayers, even before you know what He’s going to do or how He will answer!
5. That’s faith! Jahaziel: “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.”
So whatever you’re concerned about for the coming year, keep your eyes on God: (1) Make up your mind to seek Him. (2) Ask for His help. (3) Listen to His word. (4) Praise Him, even before you know how He will deliver you.
Above all, turn your eyes on God by turning them on Jesus, His Son. God has already solved the greatest fear that anyone could have: an eternity without Him. Turn to Christ, and you need not fear. And there’s no better time than now!
Tommy South, Glen Allen Church of Christ, Glen Allen, VA