Assemble

I keep hearing the word Assemble as I pray about the church. I want to follow up on the first Tailwinds post with a picture — a remarkable picture — of God’s people joining together.

One of my favorite parts of the Bible is 2 Chronicles 20. I encourage you to read the chapter, but here’s a quick summary. King Jehoshaphat was afraid because he received news of a “great multitude” coming against him and Judah. His response? He sets his face to seek the Lord and proclaims a fast throughout all of Judah. As they assemble, the Spirit of the Lord gives one of the Levites a comforting word and strategy for the battle. The next day, as they took their position and gave thanks, the Lord confused the great multitude, and they ended up destroying each other.

There is so much in this passage, but the highlight for today is a people assembled together. Look at how God responds. Consider the results of people who set their faces towards the Lord, listens, and obey.

And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah, they came to seek the LORD. vs. 4

ALL of Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel (a Levite)… vs.13-14

Jehoshaphat bowed his face before the Lord, and ALL of Judah fell before the Lord in worship. vs 18

EVERY man returned (from battle)…rejoicing vs.27

The fear of God came on ALL the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. vs. 29

Remarkable!

I know it’s hard to fathom. But I believe that kind of remarkable unity and victory is in God’s for the church! So, I’m after it, too. Amen? Here are three small and practical ways to be part of the church assembling.

Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how.
Join in with others to pray. There are all kinds of places and organizations to join with—from our churches to nationwide gatherings like The Send, etc.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show us when we are sowing division with our words and actions.