2 Chronicles 13 gives us a recipe to create conflict. The chapter begins introducing Rehab’s son, “In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam, Abijah became king of Judah“. Even in his introduction we learn of his ineffectiveness, “he reigned in Jerusalem three years“. We also learn “There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam“. Remember in chapter 11, God spoke to Abijah’s father “Do not go up to fight against your brothers“. Perhaps we could substitute “spouce”, or “co-worker”, or “neighbor”. Begin creating conflict by pointing out someone’s faults. We read, Abijah, king of Judah stood on a high hill and taunted his enemy. “Jeroboam and all Israel, listen to me! Don’t you know that the Lord, the God of Israel, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever… Yet Jeroboam… rebelled against his master“. Next, bring up past wrongs. “Some worthless scoundrels gathered around him and opposed Rehoboam… when he was young and indecisive and not strong enough to resist them“. Remember to never acknowledge our own shortcomings. Jesus said it this way, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matt 7:3)
Finally, the “holier than thou” approach is sure to close down any meaningful communication. “And now you plan to resist the kingdom of the Lord… didn’t you drive out the priests of the Lord… and make priests of your own?” We hate to hear the “hypocrisy” criticism! Don’t forget to point out your own righteousness. “As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him… We are observing the requirements of the Lord…God is with us; He is our leader“. The result is that even real truth will be rejected, “Do not fight against the Lord… for you will not succeed“. When we become frustrated, we do not want to listen to logic or wisdom. It seems Jeroboam just wanted to shut his arrogant mouth. While he was still talking, “Jeroboam had sent troops around to the rear… the ambush was behind them“. There are lots of unfair tactics used in arguments, from name calling to opening up old wounds and insecurities, and they will always escalate the battle.
As the chapter continues, the people of Judah called out to God for protection. “Judah turned and saw that they were being attacked at both front and rear. Then they cried out to the Lord“. This is the first thing anyone does RIGHT in the chapter. I believe that if we are open to God’s Spirit from the beginning, we can find peace. Waiting until after the hurtful words will probably result in greater damage, “God routed Jeroboam and all Israel“. So what was the cause of this battle and most arguments? I believe it is our own pride. In marriages, in families and in our work life those emotional battles begin with our own selfishness. Listen to the conclusion of the chapter, “the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers“. Pride eventually ruined both kings. We read “Jeroboam did not regain power“. And Abijah “married fourteen wives” who turned his heart from following God. Whatever conflict you have right now, listen to the words of our Savior, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Only prayer can overcome pride.