03/06/2014 - BOLDNESS IN SERVING THE LORD

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And his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah. 2 Chronicles 17.6

As soon as Jehoshaphat became king of Judah, he strengthened his country against the rebels that kept the name ‘Israel’. This teaches us to fortify our weak and strong points, so that we might not fall in temptation. He placed troops in the cities that his father had taken, for he did not want to lose anything. The Bible orders us to keep what we have so that nobody takes away our crown (Rev 3.11).

Jehoshaphat began to seek the God of his fathers and walk in his commandments. He did not seek the Baals, as did the people of Israel. The result could not be another: the Lord was with him. What else did this governor need? Now, if you have the Omnipotent at your side, even if there are weak areas in your life, temptation will not overcome you. Those who have a weak health or are slow decision-makers must strengthen themselves in everything to resist the tempter.

Jehoshaphat saw that the Most High had confirmed the kingdom in his hands. So all the people of Judah brought him gifts, increasing his riches and glory in abundance. Seek such an experience as well, for we were made to be kings and priests for our God (Rv 1.6; 5.10). If the kingdom is not confirmed, there will be attacks from the enemy both from the inside and the outside. However, whoever has their kingdom confirmed will receive full dominion over what belongs to him.

As he saw his kingdom established by the Most High, Jehoshaphat became bolder in following the Lord, instead of leaving Him in good times. This impressed the holy writer. After all, what better words could be used to define the faith that that good man possessed? God seeks for these kinds of sons and daughters, who will do the same in our days, beyond all limits.

When faith is strong, dreams return, prayers come true, and everyone is benefitted. The king provided masters of the law to go throughout the cities and teach the Law of the Lord. If you do not have the Book of God, you will not be able to transmit the truth to your neighbors, and thus, will not be able to lead them into being good people. It is the Word that awakens, gives victory, and hinders the deterioration of virtues.

The result was that the fear of the Lord came upon all the kingdoms around them. The same must happen to you. None of those kingdoms made war against Jehoshaphat. Even the Arabs and the Philistines, eternal enemies of the people of the Lord, brought them gifts as tributes. Besides, there was only good news for him, who became extremely great and built fortresses and garrisons in Judah.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares