“His
(Jehoshaphat) heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord.” (v.6)
Here
in chapter 17 Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, is now king over Judah and the LORD was
with him as He was with David (v.3). Like his father Asa, King Jehoshaphat
started strong, following the ways of the Lord and fighting idolatry (v. 6).
In
his third year, Jehoshaphat sent out priests, Levites and government officials
to teach (or re-teach) the people the Scriptures (v.7), to remind them about God's
covenant and His care for them throughout history. As a result, not only did
Judah see that obedience brought victory and God’s blessing but, that
disobedience brought defeat and judgment. So evident was it that when the children of Judah's hearts were devoted to their God He was with them, the surrounding nations feared them, did not make war with them, and some even brought tribute to them (vv.10-11).
The
same holds true for us, for we serve the same God. His promises are just as
true for you and I as they were for Judah. Therefore, seek the Lord with a
devoted heart, keep His Word, then watch Him work in your life and the lives of
those around you.
The
Truth
“Blessed
are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart“ (Psalm 119:2)
