2 Chronicles 19:3 There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God. Those were the words of Jehu the seer to Jehoshaphat following his return from an unsuccessful campaign with the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of Judah, became one of the country’s most successful rulers for one simple reason: He set his heart on seeking God. Jehoshaphat also made some bad decisions just like we all do from time to time. He allied himself with the northern kingdom of Israel and their wicked king and queen (Ahab and Jezebel). At first, the alliance worked, but Ahab drew Jehoshaphat into a war with Aram that was against God’s will (2 Chronicles 18). The great battle at Ramoth Gilead was a catastrophe. Only through the intervention of God did Jehoshaphat escape. 2 Chronicles 18:31 tells us that Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him but Ahab was killed by an enemy arrow (2 Chronicles 18:33-34).
In another time of crisis Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him. Jehoshaphat’s resolve to seek the Lord saved the southern kingdom of Judah. An enormous enemy army had gathered against Judah. Jehoshaphat prayed to God, and the Lord, through Jahaziel told Jehoshaphat and the people to not be afraid or discouraged because the battle belonged to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15). God set Judah’s enemies upon each other, and when Jehoshaphat led the people out to meet the invaders, they saw only dead bodies on the ground.
This Sunday we will take a closer look at this particular crisis during Jehoshaphat’s reign from 2 Chronicles 20. Praying everyone has a blessed week.
In Christ,
Gary T.