Jehoshaphat reigned as king of Judah for some 25 years, from 874 to 850 b.c. He is an example of one who sought the Lord in all things and because of it was a very great king. He sent priests and Levites on regular circuits, teaching the Book of the Law to the people. He established courts of justice throughout the land and maintained a vast army. He made one serious mistake by allying himself with Ahab. We touched on this briefly yesterday. However, Jehoshaphat did not wilt under the rebuking of Jehu, but rather learned a lesson and became stronger than ever before in the Lord. He had faith in the power of prayer, as we can see in chapter 20:1- 13. His prayer was that the Lord would deliver them from the Moab- Ammon invasion. God granted his request and Judah triumphed over the invading armies. Notice Jehoshaphat's confidence in chapter 20:20 as he spoke to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.".
Throughout the history of Israel, when God's leaders led the people to follow the Word of the Lord, they always prospered. It is still true today! When Christians follow God's leadership, He will reward them, He will bless them, and He will prosper them. God says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Won't you join with me today in claiming this verse anew, committing every thought, word, and deed to God and His leadership? He promises to bless us, and He has never failed to keep His promise.
