SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 17 – 2 Chronicles 20

We know from 2 Chronicles chapters 17-20 that Jehoshaphat was a good man. He was the man, however, who made mistakes. He had riches and honor, yet erred by showing his wealth to unbelieving kings who set their hearts on his wealth. But far worse, he erred in making a completely irresponsible alliance with Ahab and Jezebel of Israel which included giving his son Jehoram in marriage to their daughter Athaliah. God was not pleased with his trek to war alongside of Ahab. 2 Chronicles 19:2-3 say, “And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore the wrath of the LORD is upon you. Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.’” Did Jehoshaphat let his thoughts be consumed with Jehu’s declaration to Him about the wrath of God? Obviously not! He finished his race victoriously. Jehoshaphat is a great example of a king who was a good man with Godly accomplishments and yet he also made major mistakes. Thankfully he rose up beyond his missteps. We are discovering something about the men and women of the Bible. Their accomplishments, obedience and failures are openly presented for all to see. God is bigger than their failures! It is amazing to watch King Jehoshaphat turn into a man of great faith. Listen to what he said to God in 2 Chronicles 20:7-9, “Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.” Jehoshaphat‘s mistakes didn’t dictate his path or his identity. He became a man of victory. He listened to God’s voice and didn’t let guilt and shame ruin his thoughts or direction. He cried out for deliverance from his enemies and God answered. Jehoshaphat rose beyond his failures and believed in the God of deliverance. His persistence was rewarded!