How does Jehoshaphat's action in 2 Chronicles 17:7 inspire modern Christian leadership? Jehoshaphat’s decisive move in the third year “In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials—Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah—to teach in the cities of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:7) What Jehoshaphat actually did • Chose the third year—early enough to set the tone for his reign • Selected trustworthy officials, Levites, and priests (vv. 8-9) • Equipped them with “the Book of the Law of the LORD” (v. 9) • Dispatched them to every city, ensuring no community was overlooked A leader who puts God’s Word first • Scripture-centered: He did not rely on political reforms alone but anchored the nation in God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Delegating with purpose: Rather than hoarding influence, he multiplied impact through a trained team (2 Timothy 2:2). • Accessibility: Teaching happened “throughout all the cities,” making truth reachable for ordinary people (Nehemiah 8:1-3). Practical takeaways for leadership today • Prioritize biblical literacy in every sphere you oversee—family, church, workplace. • Equip and release faithful teachers; leadership is strengthened, not threatened, by shared ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Act early; embedding God’s Word at the beginning of any venture shapes its culture for the long haul (Psalm 119:105). • Make truth mobile; bring Scripture to people rather than waiting for them to come to it (Acts 8:30-35). Supporting Scriptures • Ezra set his heart “to study the Law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach” (Ezra 7:10). • “The things you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). • “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Putting it into practice • Review the teams you lead—do they have the resources to teach God’s Word effectively? • Schedule intentional teaching moments early in any new initiative. • Celebrate and support those who carry biblical instruction into every corner of your community. |
    |