2 Chronicles 13 -- God Uses Imperfect People

The prophet Shemaiah had told Rehoboam and the entire Southern kingdom, “The Lord says you must not go to war against your brothers (the Northern Kingdom).”  But in this chapter we read, “And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.”  Chapter 15 says Abijah was not a godly man.  He gained the throne after the death of his father, Rehoboam.  My commentary said, “He may have had David’s blood in his veins, but he didn’t have David’s perfect heart beating in his breast.”  He’d kept up a running war with Jeroboam the way his father had done.

Abijah did try persuasion, reminding Jeroboam that God had ordained that David’s sons rule the kingdom and that Aaron’s sons must serve as priests.  Jeroboam had scrapped all that when creating a religion that was convenient, to keep his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem to worship.

Jereboam sent part of his army to attack Abijah’s army from the rear while Abijah was focused on Jeroboam’s threat from the front.  But upon discovering this subterfuge, Abijah and his army literally cried out to God.  The Lord responded, sending immediate victory.

Abijah wasn’t a godly ruler, but he did understand God’s truth.  He had faith in God’s power.  “God uses imperfect people to do His will, if only they will trust Him,” my commentary added.

Father, I’m far from perfect, but I trust You.  Please use me to do Your will.  Please enable others to see that my heart is fixed on You and show them how to trust You, too.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford