Watch Focus - Chariots of Fire and Prophetic Strategy
Thanksgiving for Past Victory
Our watch prayer this week begins with honor for all who sacrificed to bring about victory for western freedoms on D-Day 80 years ago celebrated this week in Europe and the U.S.
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57
“I will sing a new song to you, my God; I will make music to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David.” Psalm 144:9-10
Times of Refreshing amidst Distress, Rebuke, and Disgrace
In 2 Kings 16, Hezekiah comes to power succeeding his father, Asa, who was the worst ruler yet. The nation was under official lockdown, in service to pagan idols, while worship of the true God was subverted and banned. Hezekiah reverses that order, restores worship, and Judah begins a season of recovery while the rest of Israel remains double minded, worshiping the Lord and serving idols, and teaching their children and grandchildren to do the same. The nation is besieged. The invader offers Hezekiah and Jerusalem a treaty of surrender to complete servitude. Using a public campaign of seduction, threats, accusation, and lies, they threaten all who trust the Lord to intervene. God’s people are instructed not to react in fear but turn in prayer and go “to the house of the Lord” seeking His direction.
Hezekiah says they have entered a time “as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them.” He seeks the Lord for the prophetic strategy and prays for survival of a remnant who serve God. The word from the Lord comes from Isaiah. Do not be afraid of the threats and blasphemies. God will cause the enemy to hear a report that makes him turn his attention away and retreat from attacking. The enemy who despised God and trusted in his idols and the strength of the flesh is cut down from within.
Pray for those in Authority!
“I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleasing to God our Savior who wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5
“Avoid godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene.” 2 Timothy 2:16-17
Pray for the present administration and the next, every elected and unelected person wielding the power of government. Uproot every enemy of God’s plan and purpose. Plant and cause fruit for harvest from every God-fearer who serves the Lord.
Chariots of fire Strategy: From the story of Elisha and his servant under real threats: “Get up early” and get God’ strategy. Don’t be afraid. See true realities. Pray the enemy is blinded and disabled. Send them away from our “city.” 2 Kings 6:15-19
The Lord’s wrath is against Rebel Rulers and Blasphemers: Their plots are in vain. God laughs though they band together and conspire against Him and his chosen King (Psalm 2). “Because you rage against Me and because your insolence has reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.” Isaiah 37:29
Do not weep! The Jewish Lion has triumphed. He is the One opening scrolls and loosing seals releasing end time events that will bring us to Christ’s appearing to judge the earth (Revelation 5).
Horsemen across the earth. The Conqueror on His white horse rides out in advance of widespread war, food shortage, economic downturn, and one quarter of the earth experiencing war, famine, pestilence, and men ruling as predatory beasts, all at one time (Revelation 6).
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the earth and then the end shall come.” Matthew 24:14
Hezekiah’s Prayer:
“God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made heaven and earth! All other gods are idols. Give ear and hear; open Your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words of the enemy. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone are God.” Isaiah 37:16-17, 20
Declare God’s Promises
When Isaiah steps in to turn the course of events, the will of God is to save His people for His own sake and for the sake of His Anointed:
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Indict the enemy for ridicule and blasphemy and laugh at his retreat.
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Declare revival with signs and wonders on behalf of God’s purpose for His city and His people.
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Prophesy the nation under siege be sown with provision and harvested in the same season.
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Pray for an entirely new crop of leadership to be planted with a harvest of provision and blessing as a result.
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Pray the zeal of the Lord come on a rooted, fruit bearing, kingdom remnant to be revived and thriving.
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Pray the enemy invader is not able to enter “the city”, launch weapons against it, surround it with armies, or besiege it.
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Pray God send His destroying Angel to root out enemy troops and turn events around! “That very night, the angel of the Lord went out to the camp of the Assyrian army and killed 185,000 men. Early the next morning, when the army of Israel arose, all 185,000 soldiers were dead. As a result, King Sennacherib of Assyria left and returned to Nineveh where he lived.” 2 Kings 19:35-36
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Pray we avoid Hezekiah’s folly! He saw the state they were in and cried out to the Lord but didn’t repair the breaches that had brought them to a time “as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them.” The next generation departed from the Lord and were carried into exile.
We reiterate these same prayers and decrees for Israel, her leaders, army, and enemies!!
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