What leadership qualities of Jehoshaphat can we apply in our lives today? Setting the Scene “Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah; he was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years” (2 Chronicles 20:31). His quarter-century on the throne gives us a rich portrait of godly leadership that still speaks today. Consistency in Seeking God • 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 records that “he sought his father’s God… and did not seek the Baals.” • His life shows a daily, steady pursuit of the Lord rather than sporadic bursts of devotion. • Application: lead by maintaining personal spiritual disciplines—regular Scripture intake, prayer, and obedience—so that decisions flow from an ongoing relationship with God. Teaching and Discipling Others • 2 Chronicles 17:7-9: Jehoshaphat sent officials, Levites, and priests “to teach in the cities of Judah.” • He recognized that a leader’s responsibility includes equipping the people with God’s Word. • Application: share truth intentionally—whether at home, church, or workplace—so others grow in biblical understanding. Prayerful Dependence in Crisis • 2 Chronicles 20:3-4: facing invasion, “Jehoshaphat resolved to seek the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast.” • 20:12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” His first instinct was prayer, not strategy. • Application: when challenges hit, model surrender before the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and asking for direction. Courageous Worship • 2 Chronicles 20:21-22: Jehoshaphat placed singers in front of the army, and God routed the enemy. • He believed praise is potent spiritual warfare. • Application: cultivate a culture of worship that replaces fear with faith, especially when leading others through uncertainty. Learning from Past Mistakes • 2 Chronicles 19:2 shows the prophet Jehu rebuking him for alliance with Ahab. Jehoshaphat repented and corrected course. • Leaders err; wise ones receive correction and alter direction. • Application: remain teachable, own errors quickly, and adjust actions according to Scripture. Building Strong Teams and Systems • 2 Chronicles 19:5-10: he appointed judges and charged them to act in the fear of the LORD. • 17:12-19: he organized military units and fortified cities. • Application: empower qualified people, set clear guidelines, and structure responsibilities around God-honoring principles. Finishing Well • Though his life had flaws, the chronicler sums up, “He walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:32). • Application: pursue a long obedience in the same direction, aiming for a testimony of faithfulness that endures to the end. By embracing Jehoshaphat’s example—steady devotion, teaching truth, prayerful dependence, worshipful courage, humble teachability, wise delegation, and perseverance—we can lead with strength that glorifies God in every sphere of influence today. |
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