What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's request to "first seek the counsel of the LORD"? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 18:4: “Then Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, ‘Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.’” Israel’s King Ahab is eager for war against Ramoth-gilead. Judah’s King Jehoshaphat, though willing to help, pauses the battle plans and insists on consulting the LORD before marching out. Why Jehoshaphat’s Request Matters • God’s counsel outranks human strategy. Jehoshaphat has armies and alliances, yet he knows victory hinges on God’s word, not battlefield math (cf. Psalm 20:7). • He practices spiritual leadership. A true leader brings people before God instead of pushing ahead on charisma alone. • Timing is crucial—“first.” Seeking the LORD after plans are set is asking God to rubber-stamp our agenda; seeking Him first invites His agenda to shape ours (Proverbs 3:5-6). • He models reverence in a compromised setting. Ahab’s court teems with false prophets; Jehoshaphat still believes the LORD will speak clearly (James 1:5). Lessons for Our Decisions Today 1. Begin every venture with God’s voice at the table. – Open Scripture before opening the calendar. – Let God’s word set boundaries on what is even worth considering. 2. Weigh counsel by its source, not its popularity. – Four hundred prophets chimed “Go!” yet one true prophet, Micaiah, carried God’s verdict (2 Chronicles 18:22-24). – Consensus is not confirmation; truth is. 3. Guard against ungodly alliances shaping your priorities. – Jehoshaphat’s partnership with Ahab nearly cost him his life (2 Chronicles 18:31). – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). 4. Expect God’s counsel to confront, not flatter. – Ahab resented Micaiah because the prophet never told him what he wanted to hear (2 Chronicles 18:17). – Scripture rebukes and corrects before it comforts (2 Timothy 3:16). 5. Obedience must follow inquiry. – Hearing God’s word without acting on it invites disaster, as Ahab discovered (1 Kings 22:37-38; Luke 11:28). Supporting Scriptures to Deepen the Study • Isaiah 30:21 — “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (qualified by seeking godly advisers) • Jeremiah 42:6 — “Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God.” A Closing Reminder Jehoshaphat’s simple plea—“first seek the counsel of the LORD”—still speaks: place God’s authoritative word at the front end of every decision, trust it above every other voice, and do what He says, even when it cuts across convenience or consensus. |
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