Topic: Revival Kings from II Chronicles: King Jehosophat
Second Chronicles provides insight into what makes a king a godly king. Last week I examined King Asa from Second Chronicles 14-16. My thought today is from the life of King Jehosophat.
The name Jehoshaphat means God Judges. He reigned for 25 years and was one of the godliest kings of Judah. King Jehosophat received a great spiritual heritage from his father King Asa, who showed a heart that sought after God. Jehosophat being one of the godliest kings, like his father, made a bad decision. Jehosophat linked to Israel’s worst—King Ahab.
Four Keys to Revival found in II Chronicles 17-20 King Jehosophat’s life:
1. He sought the Lord and the commands of the Lord and not the ways of Israel. The Word of God guided his life and because of this God established His kingdom.
2. He placed an emphasis on teaching of the Law of God. Second Chronicles 17:7-9, “Then 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; and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.”
3. He demonstrated the importance of prayer. Second Chronicles 20 gives an outline of prayer fought battle that will win every time.
- Acknowledge God (vs. 3)
- Address the troubling event (vs. 10)
- Anchor in God (vs. 12)
- Advance with God (vs. 21-22)
King Jehosophat was much like his father King Asa. King Asa in the later years of his reign strayed from God. King Jehosophat also had a moment that would cause you to respond, “Jehosophat, what were you thinking!” It is hard to read Chapter 18 and 20:36-37 is about the same King from chapter 17 and 19-20:1-35. How could a man with the heart of God be so spiritually deceived by the devil?
What he does isn’t gross iniquity, but displays the danger of unequally yoked. Jehosophat is link by the marriage of his oldest son to the daughter of the Israel King Ahab. King Ahab is known as the most ungodly king Israel had. Jehosophat also joins an alliance with King Ahaziah, who is a wicked king.
It seems that as the king strayed in his walk with God, the people also strayed in their walk with God. Leadership does have an impact in the way people live, Second Chronicles 19:4, “So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem and 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.”
The struggle of King Jehosophat was that he did not take down the high places of idol worship. Therefore, the hearts of the people were divided. Revival steps may be in place but if the heart is not truly seeking God, no revival will take place.
Have you notice that King Asa and King Jehosophat both struggled with consistently seeking God? It would be wise for us to learn from their walk with God and establish a disciplined life with Christ.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem