Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 17 & 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A couple positive and encouraging thoughts about Jehoshaphat.  17:3 says that “he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals”.  In the up and down spiritual lives of the kings, it is always uplifting to see one that was living in obedience to God and influencing the people towards God.  Going down to verse 6 it says that his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord.  Serving God is not a chore, but it is a delight to be close to Him.  It is always best to have a heart towards God.  Another positive thing he did was to have the Law of the Lord taught to the people.  We need God’s Word in our hearts so we can live it.  As he lived and ruled serving God he became more powerful.
    Going on to chapter 18 we see a new story, a new part of Jehoshaphat.  He was visiting with Ahab, king of Israel.  They were talking about going to war together against a common enemy.  Jehoshaphat said they should seek God’s advice.  We see Ahab’s attitude when he said there was a prophet they could consult, but he hated him because he never said good concerning him.  The prophet was Micaiah.  We learn that this prophet was accurate in speaking for the Lord, but Ahab rejected what he said.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Learning to hear from God and accepting what God says is a vital lesson for all believers.  As long as Jehoshaphat sought God we see God’s hand in his life.  Ahab was the other side of the spiritual equation.  Ahab did whatever he wanted.  He got angry at Micaiah and had him put in prison for not saying a prophecy that he liked.  The application is to submit to and serve God.  We can’t try to manipulate life and the circumstances we face.  In the end we see that Micaiah was right and Ahab was wrong.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Learn to trust and submit to God.  The stories of the kings of the divided kingdom gives us many illustrations of the importance of obedience and submission to God.