Read 2 Chronicles 13.
Abijah became the new king in Judah. He was a reformer and led the southern kingdom back to full obedience to the LORD. He could no longer stand by and watch most to God's chosen people live in open sin.
Previously, God had stopped Rehoboam from civil war. This time He would fight for Abijah. Judah was out-numbered 2 to 1 but that did not matter. As David's best friend, Jonathan, once declared, "nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." (1 Samuel 14:6)
In his speech to the rebels of the north, Abijah raised the following issues:
1. God chose the lineage of David to reign over all of these people.
2. The nation divided due to Rehoboam surrounding himself with scoundrels, his youth and that he was weak as a leader.
3. Jeroboam led the split-off northern kingdom away from God and into idol worship.
4. Jeroboam rid the north of any spiritual leadership that followed the LORD.
Abijah's affirmations are timeless principles for a victorious life.
1. There was a personal commitment to God.
"But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him." (v.10)
2. There was complete obedience to God's word.
"We keep the charge of the LORD." (v.11)
3. There was submission to God's leadership in their decisions.
"God is with us at our head." (v.12)
4. There was a conscience dependency upon God.
"They relied on the LORD." (v.18)
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