Today (On This Valentine Eve) the Lord led me to do a study on King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles v 17,18,19,and 20th)! The Bible said that Jehoshaphat was committed to the ways of the Lord!
Here are some nuggets from my study:
- 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 practices of the kingdom of Israel. So the Lord Established Him over the Kingdom of Judah
- When faced with an alliance with King Ahab to fight against Ramoth-gilead… He requested that they first seek God’s counsel! Ahab went his own way and lost his life/ while Jehoshaphat cried out unto the Lord and his life was spared!
- In and around the 20th Chapter, he received news that a vast army had declared war on him and had began to march against him! Jehoshaphat sought the Lord for guidance, and called a fast! He cried out; “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men in the crowd and he said; “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Then Jehoshaphat turned to the people and said believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed. After that he sent the singers forth, and they sung: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!!!!” I have been meditating a lot on his love lately… Back to the story; “At the moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.” By the time the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on the ground for as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped….” The Bible said they returned to Jerusalem full of joy that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies! “When the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on Every Side!” Wow!!
What stood out the most to me was how passionate, Jehoshaphat was about his pursuit of God! He was a man that encouraged others in their passion… He said “always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 19 v 7 states; ” Fear the Lord and judge with care, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”
This man’s life inspires me….I love to read and meditate on God’s Word! It clearly shows examples of those who please the Lord and those that do not!!!
My life’s Goal is to Please the Lord!!! What about you? Have you purposed in your heart to live a life pleasing unto the Lord?
