Becoming a Worshipful NonConformist

D.L. Moody is reported to have said this:

I thought when I became a Christian I had nothing to do but just to lay my oars in the bottom of the boat and float along. But I soon found that I would have to go against the current. Citation: D.L. Moody, Christian History, no. 25.

That realization fits the experience of other heroes of the faith, such as Moses. In Hebrews 11, verses 24-26 say:

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

Throughout the Scriptures, we find example after example of those whose love for God led them to trust Him under circumstances that would cause others to conform to the world and flee in fear. That's good, because God calls us, in Romans 12, verse 2, to become godly nonconformists. He says, "Don't be conformed to this world; be transformed by the renewing of your mind so you can demonstrate My perfect will and bring glory to Me."

One of the great heroes of Old Testament history is a godly nonconformist named King Jehoshaphat. As we consider how God wants us to demonstrate the truth of Romans 12:2, let's look today to the example of this brave man of God.

Jehoshaphat was an important man with a big problem. As King of Judah from 872 to 848 B.C., he had position, riches and honor. It was apparent to those around him that in spite of occasional lapses in good judgment, he definitely enjoyed God's stamp of approval. Surrounding nations realized this and left him alone, being filled with what is described as "the dread of the LORD."

In addition to his military and governmental leadership, Jehoshaphat played a proactive role in the spiritual leadership of his people. He initiated a series of seminars presented by specially chosen ministers who traveled throughout Judah teaching people about the law of the Lord.

He also instituted significant judicial reform, and as he appointed judges, he charged them to let the fear of the Lord be their guide. (Don't you wish our judges let the fear of the Lord be their guide?)

However, scripture records a time when Jehoshaphat experienced a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. The day began well, but as he worked on his various worthwhile causes, Jehoshaphat was suddenly interrupted by a chilling intelligence report: A vast, vicious, foreign army was on its way down to Judah, intent on conquering his kingdom and turning his people into their slaves.

His predicament was not unlike the 1990 invasion of tiny Kuwait by Iraq. How would you respond in such a situation? Would you race into exile? Hide your assets? Would you run to your allies for rescue? Maybe update your Will? Would you ask, "Is this what I get, Lord, for serving you?"

After getting my stomach down out of my throat, my response might be to get eleventy-seven different plates spinning going at once in an effort to mobilize my troops, allies and country for conflict. My tendency would probably be to pray a little and rush a lot from one spinning dish to another.

Jehoshaphat's response was a marvel of faith. Sending word quickly throughout Judah by messengers, he called on the people to fast. That they did - and in a hurry! Then they came to Jerusalem to seek help from the Lord. Reflecting their respect for Jehoshaphat and for Jehovah, people came from every town in the kingdom, gathering in front of the new temple courtyard.

Their rendezvous point was significant because this sanctuary had been built with the understanding that if ever they were faced with calamity, they would stand there in God's presence, cry out to the Lord and He would rescue them. Today was certainly a day of imminent calamity. There, expressing their faith before the Lord, Jehoshaphat and the people stood still and prayed.

Note, please, that while they were fasting and traveling and standing and praying, the enemy was descending on them rapidly. Judah was making no weapons. They were building no alliances. They were not reinforcing their walls. They were not mobilizing their army. Their hopes were pinned to a fast and a prayer.

The king then stood up in the assembly and prayed. He reminded God that His relationship with Judah went back over many generations. He reaffirmed God's sovereignty, God's power and God's might. Jehoshaphat reviewed God's action on their behalf and His promise that this land would continue to belong to them.

After that, Jehoshaphat zeroed in on the impending doom that brought them together: "As You requested, we spared these enemies when we came from Egypt. Now they've turned on us and want to drive us away from the land You gave us. O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us .." (This was another way of asking: 'Lord, is this what we get for obeying You? Is this Your idea of a living sacrifice?')

His prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12 concluded with a simple, revealing, expression of trust: "nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

God responded to this declaration of dependence with words that would soon literally become music to Jehoshaphat's ears: "Do not be afraid nor dismayed...the battle is not yours, but God's.... Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you.." In awe, Jehoshaphat and his people bowed down and worshiped. Yahweh was still in control, and He cared about them!

Early the next morning, they set out in the direction God sent them. Jehoshaphat's challenge and encouragement to his people that day still rings through centuries of time: "Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established...you shall prosper."

He underscored his faith by positioning at the head of the army a group of men "to sing to the Lord and.praise the beauty of holiness." As the men sang, God caused the enemy to destroy themselves. By the time Judah's troops arrived, the enemy was completely annihilated. All Judah had to do was pick up the plunder, which was so plentiful that it took three days to collect.

Choosing His own special way of doing it, God brought them victory through musicians instead of munitions! Not a life left on one side and not a life lost on the other. Who but Yahweh could orchestrate such a score?

And the people remembered. After collecting wagonloads of winnings from the predatory wannabes, they paused to praise the Lord. Again, when they arrived back in Jerusalem, they went to the temple for a concert of worship. Because of their faith, Yahweh had upheld them; God had given them success.

Yes, Jehoshaphat was truly a godly nonconformist. Are you?

© 2007 John Garmo. If you would be interested in using this article, please contact us at Info@MissionToChildren.org.