How can we emulate Jehoshaphat's commitment to teaching God's law today? Setting the scene 2 Chronicles 17 shows Jehoshaphat launching a grassroots teaching tour. Verse 9 notes, “They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD…”. God’s Word was opened in city after city, and spiritual renewal followed. Jehoshaphat’s model—what we notice • Intentional planning: the king scheduled, staffed, and resourced the effort • Scripture-centered: the actual Law was read, not merely discussed • Wide reach: “throughout all the cities” (v9) tells us no community was overlooked • Team ministry: officials, Levites, and priests served together (vv7-8) • Personal example: verse 6 says Jehoshaphat “took great pride in the ways of the LORD” Principles we can adopt • Teach God’s Word, not human opinions • Make biblical instruction accessible to every age and place • Share the load—mobilize gifted believers instead of a lone teacher • Let private devotion fuel public ministry • Expect cultural impact; God still honors His Word (Isaiah 55:11) Practical steps for today 1. Plan regular, systematic Bible teaching—whole-Bible reading plans, sermon series, small-group studies 2. Carry the Book: encourage everyone to open their own Bibles, in print or digital 3. Equip multiple teachers—use 2 Timothy 2:2, “what you have heard… entrust to faithful men…” 4. Go where the people are—homes, campuses, workplaces, online platforms 5. Integrate Scripture into daily rhythms (see Deuteronomy 6:6-9, “These words… are to be upon your hearts”) 6. Celebrate obedience stories to build momentum and faith Encouragement from related passages • Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell among you…” • Psalm 119:130: “The unfolding of Your words gives light…” • Matthew 28:20: “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” • Acts 19:10: Paul’s two-year teaching in Ephesus meant “all who lived in Asia heard the word” (paraphrased) • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and… equipped for every good work” (BSB, excerpt) Living it out Jehoshaphat shows that when leaders value the Word and mobilize others to teach it broadly, whole regions change. Today the methods (apps, podcasts, study guides) differ, but the mission is identical: open the Book, share it everywhere, and watch God bring light, conviction, and blessing. |
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