To Overcome the Overwhelming Odds

If you're going to follow Christ, you have to get used to being outnumbered, undermanned and overmatched in the physical realm. Why do I say this? Because it's all I see in the Biblical narrative for those God saves and uses in the plan of redemption.

1 Kings 20:1 (ESV) Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together. Thirty-two kings were with him, and horses and chariots. And he went up and closed in on Samaria and fought against it.

Once again, God's people are outmanned. Syria musters not just an army but a coalition of 32 other kings to come up against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This happens right after the Elijah revival at Mount Carmel. While Elijah is licking his wounds at Mount Hebron, the nation is facing an overwhelming army. 

We must remember that Ben-hadad is attacking Israel because of an alliance made with him by the Southern Kingdom king of Judah, Asa! (See 1 Kings 15:19). That is, God's people have used God's enemies to attack one another. This STILL happens on the political landscape of the world and it's a shame. 

1 Kings 20:2–4 (ESV) And he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad: 3 ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your best wives and children also are mine.’ ” 4 And the king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.”

Ben-hadad is not simply after victory, but the total conquest of the nation. Ahab acquiesces as he often did toward Jezebel. When Ahab gives in Ben-hadad ups the ante as demands not just conquest but the humiliation of Ahab. If you read the narrative, Ahab gathers his elders who recommend he stand his ground. He does and the battle lines are drawn. There will be war. Israel will be vastly overmatched. God will be their only hope. 

That is when a prophet appears on the scene to inform Ahab of the Lord's protection:

1 Kings 20:13 (ESV) And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the LORD, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the LORD.”

It must be noted that Ahab, the most wicked of all Israel's kings is still a recipient of the grace of God. What overwhelming grace our Lord has for those who rebel! But this grace is not for nothing. It is so that Ahab would KNOW the Lord is always enough. 

1 Kings 20:14–15 (ESV) And Ahab said, “By whom?” He said, “Thus says the LORD, By the servants of the governors of the districts.” Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?” He answered, “You.” 15 Then he mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.

This back and forth between Ahab and the Lord is important. Ahab wants to know how the Lord will save Israel and the Lord's answer is by the SERVANTS of the governors. These would be the most inexperienced members of the army. When Ahab gathers them, he can only come up with 232. Then after Ahab seeks an army for them, he can only find 7,000. 

This moment in 1 Kings is significant. From this moment forward, "servants" will be the key instruments of salvation for Israel. It is here we stop to understand the point of the first half of this chapter. Yes, God's people will often be overwhelmed by the nature, size, and scope of our enemy. But the Lord saves us through His chosen servant, Jesus Christ. Isaiah declares:

Isaiah 53:11 (ESV) Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

The world tends to rinse and repeat the same tired act. One nation seeks and rises to greatness, becomes proud, becomes fodder for her enemies, and another nation takes its place. All the while, the Lord Jesus saves people from that generation, makes them His loyal servants and subtly turns the world on its head. 

When you think you are overmatched, remember those who overcame before you by following the Lead of the righteous servant from heaven. Satans army seeks their own grandeur, we seek the glory of the ONE TRUE KING.