Paul warns us in both Eph. 6 and II Cor. 10:4 that we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world - against evil spirits in heavenly places. In II Chronicles 20 we see worship and warfare. I hope you will again read this passage as a background as I lift out some highlights that I believe give principles and guidance to our worship.
Jehoshaphat and Judah find themselves surrounded by a vast army. He begs God for guidance and orders all to begin fasting. He literally prayed and sought God out for help. This principle is why we have some 200 people, both worship choir and worshipping prayer warriors in our church, committed to praying for the worship of our church - acknowledging that without Him we are powerless against all that would keep us from worship. It is first in gaining victory.
Then the Spirit of God came upon one of the Levites (worship leaders) and He said to the people - "Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged . . . for the battle is not yours, but God's. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory!" We as worship leaders should be so prayed up that when we stand before God's people they see His victory on our countenance. But we must pay the price in preparation before God, both spiritual and musical, for that to happen. Then it says, "Jehoshaphat and the people began to worship the Lord."
The next day singers were appointed to walk ahead of the army singing and praising God. As they joined in unison singing and giving praise, confusion was rampant among the enemy and they started fighting among themselves. Notice that what was worship became that which caused confusion among the enemies. Can you imagine even one person from Judah not singing? When the people of God are fully unified and ALL singing praise it not only ushers in the power and presence of God, it brings confusion and fear against evil spirits. Satan and his angels can not stand the unified praise of God's people.
I am reminded also of when Moses came down off the mountain and the people were dancing and singing in worship of a golden calf. Even before Moses arrived in the camp, he asked about the sound of confusion that he was hearing. When God's people are worshipping Him, there is no sound of confusion and uncertainty, but the sound of oneness in victory. In our worship may the Lord and anyone else who passes by hear sounds of confidence and victory from God's people in our worship. mjm
