Day 181 – 2 Chronicles 19-23

Talking Points

• Jehoshaphat reigns as a good king, leading the people to honor God. He institutes many wise reforms, one being a system of judges who will uphold righteousness in the land.
• The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites approach with a massive, impressive army. Once again, revealing his great trust in God, Jehoshaphat leads the people to “seek help from the LORD” as their first response (2 Chronicles 20:4). What a powerful confession and position: “We are powerless…but our eyes are on You” (20:12).
• In what had to be an awesome sight, God fights the battle while the people stand and watch, praising the LORD! “You need not fight in this battle…stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf” (20:17). Our salvation in Jesus is the same. God delivers. Jesus saves! And, our response is to praise the Lord!
• Jehoshaphat radically trusted God. He led others to do the same. The question is, “Why?” What did he know that other kings before and after him did not? His prayer tells us (20:5-13). He knew God! He knew His character, His work in the past, and His promises. He knew His strength, His might, and His faithfulness. And, knowing God made it easy to trust Him. Why would we endeavor to read through the Bible? So that we may know our God and respond in the same radical trust as King Jehoshaphat.

Thoughts

Can you imagine a world with leaders who actually trusted God? A world where, when a leader was about to make a decision, he sought the Lord? One where, when he was afraid, he turned his attention to God? A world with leaders who led the nations to fast and pray and turn their eyes to the one true God? One where our leaders praised God for who He is and what He has done? What if we had leaders who charged us to “be very careful,” considering what we are doing, remembering who we are serving, who we are representing (2 Chronicles 19:6-9)? It brings tears to my eyes to imagine such a world, such a leader.

Today, wherever we are, whoever we are, however we lead, may we be that kind of leader. Lord, help us to lead out in our homes, in our relationships, in our churches, in our communities with such a goal in mind. Help us be leaders who actually trust You.