Read: 2 Chronicles 13:4-16; Matthew 5:3
As for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. (2 Chron. 13:10)
The King’s Speech is a movie about the king of England George VI who lived with a speech impediment. In a time of great national crisis, the young king gave a flawless radio speech ushering England’s entrance into World War II. The speech helped build confidence in the new king.
The biblical books of Kings tell us little about King Abijah who began his reign of the southern kingdom of Judah about 900 BC. Thankfully, the Chronicler tells us more. Jeroboam, the northern king, had much greater numbers and attacked the tiny southern kingdom of Judah. King Abijah of Judah gave a speech to Jeroboam and his military. And what a remarkable speech by an otherwise undistinguished king! The king showed a grasp of spiritual insights that was lacking in his father, Rehoboam. One biblical commentator has called the speech the king’s “Sermon on the Mount” (see Matthew 5-7). King Abijah professed that while King Jeroboam had superior military power, the small kingdom stood on the kingdom of David (2 Chron. 13:8).
The king’s speech was indeed good news to the huddled exiles around Jerusalem in the midst of great ancient empires four centuries before the birth of Christ. Jesus also taught us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). We need the speech of King Abijah and King Jesus to encourage us when we face insurmountable forces.
As you pray, ask not for tasks sufficient for your strength, but strength sufficient for your tasks.
About the Author
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland Michigan.
