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2 Chronicles Chapter 17 (ESV)
1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.
7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8 and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
10 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.
REFLECTION:
The people of Judah were ignorant of the Bible because they didn’t spend time understanding God’s laws and they didn’t know that God’s word could change people’s heart. Jehoshaphat knew that the first step for people to live according to the right way was to understand God’s word. Therefore, he implemented an education plan nationwide to let the people understand and follow God’s laws. In Asa’s time, Judah declined in their faith. Now Jehoshaphat tried to reverse the situation and help people regain their dedication and sense of mission by putting God as first place in their heart. Because of his reformation, the people of Judah began to follow God and the country became prosperous. Reflect how important is God’s word in your evangelism and ministry. Do you realize that God’s word is the most important weapon you have?
PRAYER:
Dedicate to God that you are willing to actively share the gospel. Ask God to open doors for you and work on the heart of the friends you will share the gospel with. Ask God to make you humble so that as you share the gospel you will put God’s word in first place rather than relying on human wits and skills.
HYMN:
“To the Ends of the Earth” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-Ct_yQjRao
