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2 Chronicles Chapter 19 (ESV)
1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. 2 But 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? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. 3 Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.”
4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. 5 He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. 7 Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”
REFLECTION:
Jehoshaphat appointed officers to govern the people. He warned the officers that they were accountable to God and they should judge according to God’s standard. Jehoshaphat pointed out a basic principle in the action of leaders. His advice still has deep enlightenment to Christian leaders today. As leaders, we need to use the authority given to us by God appropriately, knowing that we represent God as his executor and must maintain the highest level of integrity because He is watching and will not tolerate abuse of his God-given authority. Reflect if church leaders follow this principle in leading the church. If there is deficiency in what they do, what can you do to help them improve?
PRAYER:
Pray for your church leaders and ask God to help them to be prudent and discerning in their leadership according to God’s standard. Pray for yourself and ask God to give you passion and wisdom that you are willing to support your church leaders in leading the church.
HYMN:
“I Surrender” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgsqfjRslzA
