2 Chronicles 17:3
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals
2 Kings 3:14
Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you.
2 Chronicles 19:3
There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God.”
A bit of a preamble: Jehoshaphat was not a perfect man, but he was a godly man; a man who sought after God, as did his father, David (not his actual father, but his spiritual father, in that he followed David’s example in worship). While he was a godly man, he sometimes made the mistake of aligning himself with people of questionable character. After one such occasion, one in which he nearly lost his life, he returned to Jerusalem, and began the reforms that we read about in today’s lesson.
2 Chronicles 19:5
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.
Ephesians 4:11
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
The first impression that I draw from today’s lesson is that Jehoshaphat’s actions to institute spiritual reform in the land of Judah bear a marked resemblance to the way that God establishes order in His Church. Jehoshaphat appointed judges to rule righteously among the people of God. They were to judge not according to reasoning of men, but according to the reverent fear of God. In similar fashion, Christ elevates men and women who have a heart for Him to offices within His Church to provide governance within as it reaches out to the community.
2 Chronicles 19:7
Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Those men and women appointed by God are given divine insight from God. They are not called to be perfect, but rather to be pure of heart: to have a heart that is searchable, sensitive to the penetrating gaze of our loving Father, who sees everything. Jehoshaphat instructed the men of Judah to keep in mind that when they administered justice, it was not by man’s authority that they did so, but by God’s. It was not a responsibility to be taken lightly. After all, these were the people of God for whom they were responsible.
Beloved, there are no perfect churches. The people who govern the churches in our various communities are but servants. Thorough the preaching of the Gospel, they offer hope to the lost, a light to those who seek a way out of darkness. As those who come to hear are changed, these servants of God offer sustenance; the very Bread of Life, through the same preaching and teaching of God’s word. They teach us to practically apply God’s principles for living to our daily existence, thus inviting God’s Presence and favor in to our lives personally. They do this, not necessarily by being great leaders, though we oftentimes admire them and emulate them for their perceived leadership abilities. They best accomplish God’s purposes by following Him, by continually and faithfully pursuing the heart and desire of our Father.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Timothy 4:6
If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
Jehoshaphat brought reform to the land of Judah and, in doing so, he brought revival to the hearts of its inhabitants; God’s people. We too, can individually have a restorative influence on our community at large. Be a light, a mirror of God’s influence in your church, in your home, on your job, in the community you live in. The revival that we long for may be on the very tip of your tongue. God’s Rest awaits us. Be encouraged.
Blessings,
.wb
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