So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people. And the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
--2 Chronicles 17:9-10 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on July 26, 2013 of Psalm 121; Luke 6:1-19; 2 Chronicles 16-18:27.
Asa had been a good king of Judah who followed God's commandments and rid his kingdom of most of the high places (for idol worship), but when threatened by Baasha, King of Israel, he turned to Syria for aid rather than to the Lord as he had done earlier when attacked. This displeased God who constantly seeks ways to show Himself strong for His people against those who would oppose them. Asa suffered some serious disease that originated in his feet and died. His son Jehoshaphat then took over and reigned over Judah in Asa's place. And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he obeyed God's laws and walked in the ways of his ancestor David. Like his father in Asa's earlier years, Jehoshaphat did not permit or condone idolatry as did Israel, but instead destroyed any remaining false gods and their places of worship in Judah and permitted all those who wished to serve the Lord to dwell in his kingdom without fear.
God looked with favor upon Jehoshaphat and firmly established the kingdom of Judah under him, showering him with riches and honor. And in turn Jehoshaphat heeded God's voice and delighted in His word, so much so that he sent some of his leaders and some chief Levites throughout the cities of Judah to teach the law of God to all the people. And as they taught, God's word was spread and shared in all the region, causing the fear of the Lord to fall even upon neighboring kingdoms so that they were afraid to make war with Judah lest they upset God Himself. Instead, some of the people's enemies of old brought gifts of silver and flocks of sheep and rams as tribute to Jehoshaphat, further increasing his wealth and power.
Here we see almost a reciprocal arrangement between God and Jehoshaphat, and certainly a pattern of behavior we should consider copying. Jehoshaphat loved the Lord and obeyed His commandments. In return, God favored Jehoshaphat and raised his level of influence in the kingdom. This made Jehoshaphat want to serve God even more, so he had the law of the Lord taught over all of Judah, in every city and village, and not just by any teachers but by the leaders among his most trusted advisers and ministers and Levites. And for this God assured peace for Judah with her neighboring kingdoms. When we obey God's voice and follow His Word, His Son, He will give abundantly to us in return. If not in this life, then in the next we will be rewarded for serving our Lord. Amen.
Generous Father, we know we should serve You unconditionally, without any thought of personal reward. But Lord it is wonderful to find assurance in Your holy word that You will indeed gift us with treasures beyond our wildest imaginings. In this life You provide for our needs and strengthen us in our struggles. You give us happiness and peace. In the next our treasure already awaits us. Thank You, Father, for Your many blessings. In the name of Your Son Jesus we pray. Amen.
God looked with favor upon Jehoshaphat and firmly established the kingdom of Judah under him, showering him with riches and honor. And in turn Jehoshaphat heeded God's voice and delighted in His word, so much so that he sent some of his leaders and some chief Levites throughout the cities of Judah to teach the law of God to all the people. And as they taught, God's word was spread and shared in all the region, causing the fear of the Lord to fall even upon neighboring kingdoms so that they were afraid to make war with Judah lest they upset God Himself. Instead, some of the people's enemies of old brought gifts of silver and flocks of sheep and rams as tribute to Jehoshaphat, further increasing his wealth and power.
Here we see almost a reciprocal arrangement between God and Jehoshaphat, and certainly a pattern of behavior we should consider copying. Jehoshaphat loved the Lord and obeyed His commandments. In return, God favored Jehoshaphat and raised his level of influence in the kingdom. This made Jehoshaphat want to serve God even more, so he had the law of the Lord taught over all of Judah, in every city and village, and not just by any teachers but by the leaders among his most trusted advisers and ministers and Levites. And for this God assured peace for Judah with her neighboring kingdoms. When we obey God's voice and follow His Word, His Son, He will give abundantly to us in return. If not in this life, then in the next we will be rewarded for serving our Lord. Amen.
Generous Father, we know we should serve You unconditionally, without any thought of personal reward. But Lord it is wonderful to find assurance in Your holy word that You will indeed gift us with treasures beyond our wildest imaginings. In this life You provide for our needs and strengthen us in our struggles. You give us happiness and peace. In the next our treasure already awaits us. Thank You, Father, for Your many blessings. In the name of Your Son Jesus we pray. Amen.
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