How can we emulate Jehoshaphat's commitment to righteousness in our daily lives? Jehoshaphat’s Example at a Glance “ And he walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. Yet the high places were not removed, and the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.” (1 Kings 22:43) The Heart of Jehoshaphat’s Commitment •He “walked” in the godly patterns he inherited. •He “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,” not merely what was popular. •He allowed lingering compromise (“the high places”) that later required attention. Lessons for Us: Choosing the Same Path 1.Seek a God-ward orientation •Colossians 3:2—“Set your minds on things above.” •Jehoshaphat’s life was calibrated to God’s approval, not human applause. 2.Build on godly heritage, grow beyond it •2 Timothy 1:5 highlights Timothy’s inherited faith. •We honor faithful predecessors by advancing even further in obedience. 3.Pursue wholehearted obedience •Deuteronomy 6:5—“Love the LORD your God with all your heart.” •No compartment is off-limits: finances, entertainment, relationships, speech. Practical Steps to Walk in Righteousness •Daily Word intake –Read, meditate, and memorize; Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart.” •Regular self-examination –Psalm 139:23-24—Invite God to expose hidden sin. •Intentional community –Hebrews 10:24-25—Stir one another to love and good deeds. •Visible acts of justice and mercy –Micah 6:8—“Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.” •Swift repentance when convicted –1 John 1:9—Confession keeps fellowship fresh. Guarding against Partial Obedience Jehoshaphat left “high places.” Areas we tend to leave untouched: •Persistent private sins (bitterness, lust, envy) •Cultural idols (success, comfort, approval) •Compromised alliances (2 Chronicles 19:2 warns Jehoshaphat about Ahab) Action: Identify one “high place” in your life and dismantle it this week. Encouragement from Related Scriptures •2 Chronicles 17:3-4—God confirms He was “with Jehoshaphat.” •Proverbs 3:5-6—Trusting fully brings straight paths. •Galatians 6:9—Persist; harvest comes in due season. Take-Aways for the Week 1.Start each day aligning your heart with God’s Word. 2.Invite accountability; don’t battle hidden “high places” alone. 3.Act on the next right thing God shows you—today, not later. 4.Rejoice that the same LORD who strengthened Jehoshaphat empowers you (Philippians 2:13). Walk in those ways, and you will echo his legacy: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” |
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