What can we learn about leadership from Jehoshaphat's response in 2 Kings 3:10? Setting the Scene • The joint campaign of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab stalls in the wilderness with no water. • 2 Kings 3:10: “Then the king of Israel said, ‘Alas! The LORD has called these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.’” • While Jehoram panics, Jehoshaphat immediately offers a different response (v. 11). Jehoshaphat’s Standout Response 2 Kings 3:11 a: “But Jehoshaphat asked, ‘Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?’” Leadership Principles from Jehoshaphat’s Reaction • Look Upward Before Looking Outward – Crisis first drove Jehoram to fear; Jehoshaphat looked to God. – Echoes Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5. • Value God’s Word as the Primary Counsel – He sought a “prophet of the LORD,” not human strategy alone. – Parallels 1 Kings 22:7, where he did the same. • Maintain Composure Under Pressure – Instead of blaming or despairing, he remained calm and solution-oriented. – Philippians 4:6-7 demonstrates the peace that guards hearts when God is sought. • Lead by Example Toward Spiritual Dependence – His request nudged two other monarchs to turn to Elisha. – A leader’s faith can redirect an entire team (cf. Acts 27:23-25, Paul on the storm-tossed ship). • Recognize and Utilize God-Given Resources – He believed God had already placed a prophet nearby. – Ephesians 4:11-12 shows God equips the body with needed gifts. Practical Takeaways for Today’s Leaders • In any setback, pause and ask, “What has God already said, and whom has He placed near me who knows His Word?” • Refuse the knee-jerk reaction of fear-speech; replace it with faith-speech. • Model dependence on Scripture; those you lead are watching how you respond. • Seek counsel from proven, God-honoring voices before committing to action. Supporting Scriptures • 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 – Jehoshaphat “set his face to seek the LORD” in another crisis. • Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” • Isaiah 30:21 – “Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” In Jehoshaphat we see a leader who keeps Scripture central, seeks God’s guidance first, and thereby steadies both himself and those he leads. |
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