The Jewish people have a mess on their hands! Today’s reading is full of war between Israel and Judah, assassinations, and idolatry. What a sad state of affairs for people who know the Lord God. Amidst this rises a king who brings a breath of fresh air to Judah.
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal. He sought his father’s God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel. (2 Chronicles 17:3–4, NLT) This was becoming a rarity: a king who would abandon evil and seek after God. The Bible says that Jehoshaphat’s heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:6).
How did this courage benefit Jehoshaphat? The Lord established the kingdom in his hand, the people honored him, and the fear of the Lord fell upon all the nations around him, such that they did not make war against him (2 Chronicles 17:5, 10)! Wow! As I thought about this, Proverbs 14:34 came to my mind. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34, NKJV)
So here we have a king who courageously opposes the prevailing evil culture of his day. God favors and blesses him for this. What an encouraging example for us as believers! All around us is a world full of evil. Yet, we can courageously live for what is right and good. Just like in Jehoshaphat’s day, does the world around us not need to see this courage and light? Yes! Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, KJV)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 1 Kings 15:24-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17.