Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 19, Psalm 93
In the battle against the Arameans, King Ahab had bled to death while King Jehoshaphat returned safely to Judah. King Ahab had led the people of Israel with a sinful heart, and God had declared that he would die. And the king had time to consider his choices as he sat propped up in his chariot, slowly dying while he watched his enemies. But Jehoshaphat was given another opportunity to please the Lord through his leadership.
There was a man named Jehu who was known to be a seer — who could see situations and people through spiritual eyes. He confronted Jehoshaphat regarding his love for those who hate the Lord, but he also affirmed the action Jehoshaphat had made to remove the Asherah poles. Jehoshaphat was sincerely committed to seeking God, and God would use his leadership to draw the people of Judah back to Him.
Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out among the people, traveling from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, encouraging the people to return to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns, and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.” – 2 Chronicles 19:4-7
LEAD WITH INTEGRITY
Leadership is a big responsibility and it was important to Jehoshaphat that those who were given the authority to pronounce judgment would do so with integrity and wisdom. The judges could not be swayed by the demands of the people or influenced by popularity. These judges need to operate to please only the Lord. Then Jehoshaphat appointed priests to become judges that specialized in the matters of the church.
“You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of God’s laws, commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the Lord, so that he will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty. – 2 Chronicles 19:9b-10
LEAD WITH AN UNDIVIDED HEART
Jehoshaphat was calling the leaders of Judah to be faithful to the Lord, living out their calling with loyalty to God alone. God would use these leaders to warn His people against what God had defined as sin. If they chose not to speak out against sinful behaviors, they would be found guilty of sinning against the God who had appointed them to a place of leadership.
“Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.” – 2 Chronicles 19:11b
LEAD WITH COURAGE
The instructions Jehoshaphat gave to those who had been placed in key leadership roles apply to us today. It is an honor to be chosen by God to have a voice among His people, but that voice needs to be consistent with the heart of God — the God who instructs us on what is good and what is evil. To soften the standards set by God is defined by God as sin (2 Chronicles 19:10).
Your royal laws cannot be changed.
Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever. – Psalm 93:5
Father God, give us spiritual eyes to see your perspective on what is going on in the world around us. Give us a voice that reflects your heart, leading with courage and integrity. May our hearts be undivided — loyal to you and obedient to your instructions. May we never lead from our own wisdom, but daily seek wisdom from you. Help us to lead with the love of Christ, while not allowing our compassion on others to redefine the life you have called us to live. May we be known for our integrity, faithfulness and courage, while still being known for our respect, compassion and love. Amen.