How should we give thanks for victory? At first glance that looks like a really stupid question. Of course we should give thanks for victory. Who wouldn’t?
Could it be possible that some ways might be wiser than others?
Scripture is full of options. We can pray our thanks to God as Solomon did when he dedicated the temple, sing about victory the way Miriam did after the Red Sea closed over the Egyptian army, have parades, something like the one that developed as the ark of the Covenant was being returned to Jerusalem, hold feasts, as the Jews still do for Passover and Purim, and tell the stories of the deliverance God sent.
If all these options are appropriate, why does scripture show some of them going wrong?
How should we give thanks for victory? A close examination of the fully positive stories reveals a deliberate focus on God and what he has done in providing victory. The problems happen when disregard of God’s commands combined with human self-importance sneaks into the story line.
If the Levites had been carrying the ark, as God had commanded, Uzzah would not have had the fatal opportunity to “help” God keep the ark from sliding off the ox cart.
King Amaziah of Judah did what was right in the Lord’s eyes, and God gave him a victory over ten thousand of Judah’s enemies. Amaziah began by celebrating that victory, but then foolishly challenged the king of Israel to a face-to-face confrontation.
Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, replied, “You have indeed defeated Edom and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home! Why ask for trouble and cause your own downfall and that of Judah also?”
Amaziah refused to take that advice and the Judean army was trounced.
How should we give thanks for victory? Do so elaborately, with as much extravagance as you can muster, but be sure that your exuberance remains grounded in God the giver of victory. May those you choose to celebrate with remember that victory is one of God’s gifts.
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Ruth DeMaat
Heidi Kortman