![]() Jehoshaphat continued the religious reforms of his father, tearing down the high places as well as the Asherim-wooden images of Asherah, the consort goddess of Baal, and other images associated with the pagan fertility cults of the ancient Near East (17:1–6 see 14:1–4). Like his father, Asa, Jehoshaphat was dedicated to the Lord, walking in the ways of David, the model king of ancient Israel. Jehoshaphat, in fact, was one of the better kings of Judah, as we see in today’s passage. As we have seen, relations were mostly good between Ahab and Jehoshaphat, for Jehoshaphat joined with Ahab against Syria (2 Chron. Asa died during Ahab’s reign, and Asa’s son Jehoshaphat became ruler of the southern kingdom (15:24). So, the next time you’re about to make decisions as a leader, think about Jehoshaphat: unite people, pray first, and use wisdom.At the beginning of the reign of Ahab, king of Israel, the good king Asa ruled over Judah (1 Kings 16:29). Godly leaders, like Jehoshaphat, view the importance of unity more than division. The Apostle Paul proclaimed, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” ( Romans 12:18). Godly leadership will always ask, “Can we take time to pray about this?” James 1:5 declares, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Godly leaders are expected to lead believers in spiritual growth and health-seeking God in prayer should always be the priority. Godly leaders must not discard discernment and wisdom for approval, admiration, or popularity. Even though everyone may desire a certain outcome, it does not mean that it’s the right one. ![]() Jehoshaphat’s story relates well to leadership. Godliness is not about popularity or platform, but God’s will. Jehoshaphat’s example conveys that godly leaders make decisions based upon wisdom and discernment-not upon the status quo or popular choice. Out of 400 prophets-Jehoshaphat doesn’t trust any?Īs it happens in the end, Jehoshaphat’s discernment was correct. Jehoshaphat asks Ahab, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?” (2 Chronicles 18:6). Whether Jehoshaphat visibly observes something, has a gut feeling, or a spiritual-checkup, his decision employs wisdom and discernment. Jehoshaphat notices that something isn’t right about the so-called “prophets.” Godly leaders pursue wisdom & discernment.Īhab knows Jehoshaphat is a godly man-his intention is to sway Jehoshaphat’s decision for war, by bringing in “prophets.” However, Jehoshaphat uses discernment and wisdom.Jehoshaphat illustrates that all things should be brought to the Lord first-especially in relation to life changing decisions that involve the welfare of others. ![]() In leadership, whenever involved in an uncertainty, seeking the Lord becomes essential. Jehoshaphat displays the importance of making godly decisions. A godly leader knows that God orders his steps and is content with walking in those steps. Godly leaders are peacemakers-they know how to bring unity.Īhab’s appeal to convince Jehoshaphat to engage his enemy does not undermine Jehoshaphat’s faith. Regardless, Jehoshaphat considered Ahab a brother. It was most likely Ahab’s evil wife, Jezebel, that led him astray. Yet, when Ahab humbled himself, God saw his heart and delivered him ( 1 Kings 21:29). As the Scriptures reveal, “Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him” ( 1 Kings 16:33). Israel and Judah had been at war for generations-Jehoshaphat desired to see them unite.Īhab was an interesting character to say the least. As Jesus stated, “Blessed are the peacemakers…” ( Matthew 5:9). Godly leaders recognize the greater good and seek to quell division. Nonetheless, Jehoshaphat sees that they are neighbours, originally of the same covenant, and brothers. King Ahab was far from a godly man perhaps like someone who left the faith. Godly leaders unite, instead of divide.We will be with you in the war.” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the LORD.” Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for God will give it into the hand of the king.” But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?” ( 2 Chronicles 18:3-6)Īs a king, Jehoshaphat provides three examples of godly leadership. Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” He answered him, “I am as you are, my people as your people.
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