In what ways can we ensure our actions honor God like Jehoshaphat's? A Quiet Verse with a Loud Message “Then Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David, and his son Jehoram became king in his place.” (1 Kings 22:50) This simple report declares that Jehoshaphat’s reign ended with dignity and divine approval. Scripture’s earlier snapshots of his life reveal choices we can imitate so our actions honor God. Snapshots of Jehoshaphat’s God-Honoring Life • 1 Kings 22:43 – “He walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn from them, doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” • 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 – “Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he … sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.” • 2 Chronicles 19:4 – He traveled through Judah “bringing them back to the LORD.” • 2 Chronicles 20:12 – In crisis he prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Practices That Kept His Heart Aligned 1. Wholehearted seeking • Made personal devotion a priority (2 Chronicles 17:4). • Centered decisions on God’s revealed will. 2. Saturation in Scripture • Sent officials to teach God’s law throughout Judah (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). • Built a culture where God’s word steered both leaders and people. 3. Purging compromise • Removed high places and Asherah poles (2 Chronicles 17:6). • Replaced idolatry with true worship. 4. Valuing godly counsel • Listened to prophets like Jahaziel (2 Chronicles 20:14-17). • Corrected course when rebuked by Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2-3). 5. Reliance through prayer and praise • Gathered people to fast and pray before battle (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). • Sent worshipers ahead of the army, trusting God to fight (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). Guardrails for Our Own Walk • Stay tethered to Scripture daily; let it define success. • Confess and remove anything competing with Christ’s lordship. • Seek out faithful believers for counsel; heed loving rebuke. • Choose partnerships carefully—Jehoshaphat’s ill-advised alliance with Ahab (1 Kings 22:4) warns against yoking with ungodliness. • Turn reflexively to prayer when anxious; worship while waiting for God’s answer. Finishing Strong and Passing the Torch Jehoshaphat’s story closes without scandal; his legacy points to God’s faithfulness. By continually seeking the Lord, rooting choices in His word, rejecting compromise, welcoming correction, and praying through every battle, we too can ensure our actions honor God—today, tomorrow, and all the way to our own finish line. |
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