Day 177 – 1 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 17

Talking Points

• The progression of kings in Israel becomes increasingly wicked. It’s clear that evil left unchecked always escalates. Ahab becomes more wicked, more “than all… who were before him.” He worships false gods and “[provokes] the LORD God” (1 Kings 16:33).
• In Judah, the king and, therefore, the people follow God, seeking to honor Him. Because of this, they are blessed and live in God’s care, just as He had promised.
• We think of the prophets and probably envision them in an esteemed position, as valued spokesmen for God. Surely that is a cherished person! However, since their message was generally one of conviction, most of the time, prophets delivered the unwelcome news of God’s coming judgment to unreceptive or even hostile people.
• In his zeal for God, Good King Jehoshaphat sends teachers of the “book of the law” throughout the cities of Judah. A weighty principle — to lead the people to walk in obedience, teach them the Word of God. To grow them in a desire to know and honor God, teach them His truth. How amazing that we are learning to do the same, through the same means, the very same Words!

Thoughts

Good King Jehoshaphat makes me smile. He loved God. He sought to lead Judah to do the same. His nickname does him justice — he was a good man. The Bible says of this good king, that “he took great pride in the ways of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 17:6). In Hebrew, the word for pride means encouragement or delight. It literally means “raised up.” Jehoshaphat was raised up, uplifted, delighted in the ways of the LORD. God’s ways blessed him. They brought him joy.

Sometimes we have the impression that walking with God is dutiful, heavy, or rule-bound. We might think of it as some sort of sacrifice on our part or a drudgery to endure. Not even close! The reality is that God’s way is best! Walking in it brings blessing, happiness, and joy. Walking in it means you are walking in fellowship with Him, and nothing could be better than that! He loves us. He is kind. And, He calls us to enjoy Him and His ways. May we, like this good king, also delight in His ways.