Often times we are reminded of people that are living now and in times past, who lived unto the Lord, kept His commandments, and was a great witness for Jesus all throughout the world. These people are highly spoken of, for they did not care for the things of this world, but only the things of God mattered. I am sure you can think of a few people who are like this now and were like this until the day they died. It is easy to remember them because of their faithfulness to God. I remember people like Reinhard Bonnke, Nabeel Quereshi, Billy Graham, Adrian Rogers, and so many others. These people dedicated their lives to following Jesus, even until their very last breath. Many of them lived a long life, but Nabeel was not so fortunate, who died at age 34. I mention these people for it was common to see people mentioned in scripture who were faithful to God. One of these people who was rightly named was King Jehoshaphat. If you don’t know much about him, then I encourage you to read 2 Chronicles 17-20. As for chapter 17, it said that 1“the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.” (2 Chronicles 17:3-5) Wow, isn’t this awesome? Wouldn’t it also be amazing if you were known for such things? I know it would be for me, as I love the Lord with all my heart.
King Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa, who also once lived unto the Lord, but later forsake him in his later years in life. This must have been sad to see, especially for Jehoshaphat, who loved the Lord and wasn’t going to back down in his faith. It is said that 1“his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:6) He also 1“sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:7) What were they told to teach? It was the things of God. Praise the Lord. He also 1“sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.” (2 Chronicles 17:8-10) So as God’s Word and law were taught through the land, it was the fear of the Lord that rested upon them, causing them to not want to fight, but to honor God instead. This is so wonderful to see a man that is taking God’s Word and publishing it throughout the land. We do see this happening now with many evangelists and teachers. Even I am called to witness for Jesus on the streets. May you also go out and be a beacon for God.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I love You and give You honor and praise. Thank You for Your presence, and for leading me in the ways that are right. I may not have a way to distinguish what is good in this world, but with You as my light, I can fully distinguish the good and the bad. You have given me knowledge, so that I may not fall victim to the same temptation over and over again, but be faithful to Your cause. Because You have given me wisdom, my decisions and actions are much different than in the past. Instead of saying things that I wish I could take back, now I am able to say what is honoring and uplifting to the lives of other people. Thank You, Lord. Even my actions are not to oppress or hurt anyone, but to love and care for all people around me. Surely, the two greatest commandments have resonated upon my life, and now I am able to live these things out. I love Your ways, oh Lord. Keep me apart from the wickedness of this world, and always looking to You in faith. I don’t need to fear death or people being upset with me, for I know that death is a part of life, and after it is done, I will be with You in heaven. My place on earth is temporary, and what people do to me here does not matter. What matters is how many people I will be able to reach for Your kingdom, before my last breath. Lord, the gospel has changed my life, and all I want to do is share the good news of the cross and resurrection with others. You have put a burning in my soul to serve You and do so faithful, even for Your kingdom alone., which brings me great joy. Everything I do, oh Lord, is to give You glory and not have any in return. Surely, there are great teachers and evangelists in this world, and it is awesome to see these people lifting You up, instead of themselves. Our light is shining forth because You are in our midst. Thank You for speaking through us. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
