Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams may become a priest. (2 Chronicles 13:9)I love David and Goliath stories where right living results in confidence in a fight. Remember David's words on the day he fought the giant? First to the Israelites: Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God (1 Samuel 17:26)? Then to the big palooka across the battlefield: Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth (17:46).
And here many years later, David's great-grandson is faced with another kind of Goliath - a vast army superior in numbers, training and weaponry. It's brother against brother, or more correctly cousin against cousin as ten tribes of Israel come against two tribes of Judah. Abijah speaks out: Your golden calves are no match for the God of the universe. And by the way, didn't you drive out all the priests of Yahweh? How are your replacement priests working out for you? You know, the ones who got ordained on the Internet?
Nothing like a little good natured trash talk between opponents.
And then the battle is joined. The bookies had odds in favor of Israel, and yet Judah carried the day, leaving Israel to limp home, shell shocked from the beating they'd received.
Now, who was that enemy you were afraid was too tough for you and God to handle?
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