What leadership qualities of Jehoshaphat can we apply in our daily lives? Setting the Scene: 1 Kings 22:41 and Beyond “In the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king over Judah.” • One simple verse places Jehoshaphat on the throne, but the verses that follow (1 Kings 22:42-50) and the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 17-20 reveal a leader whose choices still speak powerfully today. Quality 1: Building on a Godly Legacy • 1 Kings 22:43: “He walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn aside from them, doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” • 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 notes that he “sought the God of his father… and did not imitate the deeds of Israel.” Daily application: – Honor the faithful examples God has placed before you. – Keep customs or practices that line up with Scripture; discard the rest. Quality 2: Seeking God First • 2 Chronicles 18:4, 6 – Before entering battle with Ahab, Jehoshaphat insists on hearing from the LORD: “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” • 2 Chronicles 20:3 – When threatened, “Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD.” Daily application: – Pause decisions until you have prayed and consulted God’s Word. – Make “Let’s pray about this” a reflex, not a last resort. Quality 3: Promoting a Word-Centered Culture • 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 – He sent officials and Levites “to teach in the cities of Judah… they taught from the Book of the Law of the LORD.” Daily application: – Encourage Bible saturation in your home, workplace, ministry. – Equip others with Scripture rather than mere opinion. Quality 4: Courage to Confront Sin—even in Allies • 2 Chronicles 19:2 – After partnering with wicked Ahab, Jehu rebukes him; Jehoshaphat receives correction. Daily application: – Welcome godly correction; don’t bristle. – Value truth over comfort in relationships. Quality 5: Humility and Teachability • 2 Chronicles 19:4 – Instead of sulking after rebuke, he goes “among the people… and brought them back to the LORD.” Daily application: – Let setbacks refine you, not define you. – Lead by example; go to the people, don’t just send orders. Quality 6: Strategic Preparation with Dependence on God • 2 Chronicles 17:12-13 – He “grew greater and greater… built fortresses and store cities.” • 2 Chronicles 20:20 – Even after God promises victory, he still positions singers and soldiers properly. Daily application: – Plan, budget, and organize, but rest in God’s ultimate control. – Excellence and faith go together. Quality 7: Worship as Warfare • 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 – Singers lead the army, and God sets ambushes against the enemy. Daily application: – Face crises with praise; it realigns perspective. – Bring worship into stressful meetings, commutes, and chores. Quality 8: Commitment to Justice and Fairness • 2 Chronicles 19:5-7 – He appoints judges and charges them, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the LORD.” Daily application: – Treat every decision—business, family, ministry—as stewardship under God’s gaze. – Uphold fairness even when no one is watching. Bringing It Home: A Jehoshaphat Checklist □ Am I intentionally building on the godly foundations I’ve received? □ Have I prayed and searched Scripture before my next big decision? □ How am I spreading God’s Word to those I influence? □ Do I welcome rebuke that steers me back to truth? □ Is my leadership marked by humility and personal presence? □ Am I planning diligently yet relying on God wholeheartedly? □ Is worship a central, public part of my problem-solving? □ Do my judgments and choices reflect God’s justice? Let Jehoshaphat’s life remind us that godly leadership pairs strategic action with unwavering dependence on the Lord who never fails. |
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