God Speaks
Reigns of Kings of Judah: Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Ahaziah and Joash
Verse of the Day: [Whenever God’s people face a problem, we should follow Jehoshaphat’s example. He prayed,] “Our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Cchronicles 20:12 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 181
We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 2 Chronicles 19-23
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
2 Chronicles 19
1. God uses people like Jehu son of Hanani to challenge people in positions of power like Jehoshaphat to do what is right in His eyes.
2. People in positions power like Jehoshaphat need to do good for their people such as encouraging people to return to the LORD, appointing judges who will not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or taking bribes, and admonishing them to act in the fear of the LORD, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.
2 Chronicles 20
1. The LORD God in heaven is ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. No one can stand against Him!
2. People are to come into the presence of the LORD and cry out to Him. When they do, He will hear them and rescue them.
2 Chronicles 21
1. God deals with people like Jehoram (aka Joram) who do evil in His sight either here and now or in eternity,
2. People, especially leaders, must not give themselves to strange gods and go astray.
2 Chronicles 22
1. God sometimes uses people like Jehu to carry out His judgment against wicked people like Ahaziah.
2. People should take action like Jehosheba to protect children, especially future rulers like Joash.
2 Chronicles 23
1. God protects and honors whoever trusts, obeys, praises and honors Him.
2. People are to honor and protect their rightful and righteous rulers.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 2 Chronicles 19-23?
Dear LORD God, You are my God and Lord of my life. Please help me, and fellow believers in You, to use these scriptures to guide our lives as You guided King Jehoshaphat. May we learn from his successes and avoid his mistakes. First of all, may we commit ourselves to seeking and maintaining an interactive love relationship with You. May we encourage each other to return to You, O LORD. May those in positions as judges render unbiased judgment in each case as You supply them with the truth, not perverting justice, showing partiality or taking bribes. May that be true of those who write or enforce our laws and regulations as well. May they know that You are superintending everything they do. May they take courage as they fulfill their duties and do what is right in Your sight. Whenever we face seemingly insurmountable problems, may we come together with the people (especially those involved) and with You in heartfelt prayer. May we listen to what You have to say through Your written word, the Bible, through wise and godly counsellors, and through what Your Holy Spirit speaks to us in the quiet of our own minds and hearts. As You supply all that we need, help us to carry out all that You have in mind for us at this time. We determine not to be afraid or get discouraged because this battle is not ours, but God’s. May we bow in confident worship and submit ourselves to You, thanking You for the victory and praising You even before the battle begins. Then let us go out and see what You, O LORD, have done in our behalf. May the fear of the LORD come on all who see the results. Keep us from arrogant presumption and faulty alliances. Don’t let evil influences keep us from being the people You intend us to be. Help us to pay attention to wise counsel so that we can possibly avoid deadly consequences. Please raise up godly leaders even from wicked ancestors. O LORD God, set in place godly people to rescue children from the clutches of evil. Save their lives and souls so that they can grow up and live to bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action
(Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 2 Chronicles 19-23?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will look for a way to praise and honor the LORD God each and every day to those around me, then just do it.
- I will speak up and challenge people (especially those in positions of power) to do what is right in the LORD’s eyes.
- I will warn people who are giving themselves to “strange gods” and going astray of the consequences of their actions.
- I will participate with an organization like Operation Underground Railroad to rescue and protect children from child sexual abuse and trafficking.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.