This week we continue in our 9-week series entitled ’Praying Together’; this series is loosely based upon the book and course, ‘The Prayers of many’ by Mike Betts. During this series, we want to learn about the importance of corporate prayer.
He said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Make this valley full of trenches.’ For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall not see wind nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, both you and your cattle and your beasts. This is but a slight thing in the sight of the Lord; He will also give the Moabites into your hand.”’ (2 Kings 3:16-18)
Summary: We achieve great and hard things if we obey God in unison.
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God has told them to dig ditches that He will fill with water in this desert. However, it’s helpful to bear in mind the scale of the task that God asks of them. Earlier in In 2 Kings 3:9, it is mentioned that the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom went to battle against the king of Moab. The verse states:
‘So the king of Israel set out with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them.’ (2 Kings 3:9)
The verse does not provide a specific number for the size of the army, so it is impossible to give an exact figure. However, the fact that three kings were leading the army suggests that it was likely a significant force and so the amount of water needed would have been tremendous. Therefore, the ditches or trenches that they were asked to dig would have been very large and numerous if they were to supply the water required.
We need to notice the obedience and unity of heart, mind and body that was required. This was not a notice to sign up for a task in church life where only a few volunteer. This was a moment where all hands on deck was required. The need was great. The ground was hard but God had made a great promise to supply their needs if they responded.
We may ask, why did God ask them to dig the ditches. They could have responded: “Why don’t you dig them; we are hot, tired and thirsty and you are God Almighty!” However, God often works in a manner that includes the cooperation of a person or the united cooperation of His people. We may have to be like those who walked around the wall of Jericho together. We may have to be like those who held up Moses hands in prayer whilst others of us fight in the valley. We may be like those who have to follow Gideon’s lead and work in unison, as we read:
‘“Watch me,’ he told them. ‘Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all round the camp blow yours and shout, “For the Lord and for Gideon.”’ (Judges 7:17-18)
RESPONSE - We can achieve great things when we obey God in unison.
We read of the church in Acts that ‘All the believers were one in heart and mind.’ (Acts 4:32). If we are to ‘dig ditches’ for God to fill with the water of His presence and blessing, it’s vital that we support each other and become more united in praying together. Is your metaphorical spade hung up in the shed, or is it digging dirt with others?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. NOTICES
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Let's all get as involved as possible in our week of prayer this week. For details please look at Church News.
2. ICEBREAKER
What has God been speaking to you about from His Word this week?
3. STUDY AND PRAY TOGETHER
During this series, we will be using the 'Prayers of Many' course by Mike Betts.
I encourage you to buy a copy of the book from: https://prayersofmany.org/book#buybook
If you need assistance in buying a book please send an email to the church office and we will happily purchase you a copy.
Please download the course handbook from:
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