Variety: 2 Chronicles 20v10–12
‘See now, the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy – they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgement upon them? For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’
2 Chronicles 20:10–12
When it comes to matters of faith and our daily efforts to follow God, it makes complete sense that not everything makes complete sense. In fact, rather than being something of a problem, our lack of knowledge can become something we can take strength from.
That’s why this Word for the Week series is titled ‘blissful ignorance’. So often in our everyday following of Jesus, we don’t have all the answers – but we can call on the one who does.
Throughout the Bible, when we follow the lives of those following God, we frequently see their lack of knowledge and misunderstanding. Uncertainty is part of the discipleship deal.
Jehoshaphat offers a template for us whenever we’re facing challenging situations or everyday uncertainties. Under immense pressure and threat of attack from a vast coalition army of Ammonites, Moabites, and other neighbouring powers, Jehoshaphat doesn’t know what to do – fair enough! But he prays.
He begins by expressing what he does know about God. Jehoshaphat’s initial prayer reminds both himself and the people of who God is, all he has done, and what he has promised. And then Jehoshaphat confidently admits his blissful ignorance.
‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’
When there are gaps in our knowledge and understanding, we’re also called to trust. But this isn’t blind, unfounded trust. We, like Jehoshaphat, can proceed based on the history and knowledge we already have of God. All of us have enough to go on in order to go on. And every day we’re called to make decisions prayerfully, even if falteringly. As we do so, we can keep praying, and as we proceed in what we hope is the right direction, God blesses our stumbling efforts.
Whenever we can’t see it all, we can still choose where to look. When he doesn’t know the best way forward, Jehoshaphat beautifully looks up. Ultimately, his prayer is answered: the Spirit of the Lord comes upon the Levite Jahaziel, who is given the insight that God himself will provide the victory.
Whatever we’re facing today – at work, with key relationships, with health issues, or with vital decisions to be made – our lack of knowledge can turn out to be our surprise superpower. Our ignorance is blissful when it provokes us to remember all God has already done and trust him for guidance and answers for the next leg of the journey.
London Institute for Contemporary Christianity