How does Jehoshaphat's example challenge us to seek divine wisdom before acting? Setting the Scene • The northern king Ahab has invited Judah’s king, Jehoshaphat, to go to war at Ramoth‐gilead (2 Chronicles 18:1–3). • Before committing, Jehoshaphat pauses: “Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, ‘Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.’” (2 Chronicles 18:4) Jehoshaphat’s Simple Yet Strong Request • “Please inquire first” reveals that seeking God’s counsel was non-negotiable for him. • He asks before strategies are formed, troops are counted, or alliances are sealed. • His reflex underscores confidence in the LORD’s absolute reliability and inerrant word. Why Seeking First Matters • God alone sees every angle of a decision—past, present, and future. • Human wisdom, even from seasoned leaders like Ahab, can be swayed by pride or profit; divine wisdom never misleads. • Waiting on God is not passivity; it is active dependence on the ultimate Commander-in-Chief. Lessons for Us Today • Decisions—family, career, ministry, finances—must begin with “What has God said?” • A “Jehoshaphat pause” guards us from impulsive choices driven by emotion or peer pressure. • Our convictions about Scripture’s literal truth move prayer and Bible reading from ritual to frontline strategy. Practical Ways to Seek Divine Wisdom • Open Scripture first; make the written Word your primary counsel. • Pray specifically for clarity, then listen—give silence room to let God’s truth settle. • Consult mature believers committed to Scripture, mirroring Jehoshaphat’s call for authentic prophets rather than agreeable voices (2 Chronicles 18:6–7). • Evaluate opportunities through the lens of obedience, not convenience. • Act only when the Word and the inner witness of the Spirit align. Scriptures That Reinforce the Pattern • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • James 1:5: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” • Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 highlights Jehoshaphat’s earlier pattern of seeking God, proving his request in 18:4 was no spur-of-the-moment gesture. Closing Thought Jehoshaphat’s example calls us to make divine consultation our first instinct, not a last resort. When God’s Word guides the opening move, every subsequent step finds its sure footing. |
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