February 15: 2 Chronicles 17

What Does God’s Blessing Look Like!

THE REASON FOR GOD’S BLESSING

“And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did.” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4, NASB)

THE SOURCE OF THE BLESSING

“So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah gave tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. He took great pride in the ways of the LORD, and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:5-6, NASB)

THE SECURING OF THE BLESSING

Jehoshaphat sent officials with Levites throughout the land to instruct the people.

“They taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; and they went throughout the cities of Judah and taught among the people.” (2 Chronicles 17:9, NASB)

““This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.” (Joshua 1:8, NASB)

THE RESULT OF THE BLESSING

“Now the dread of the LORD was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.” (2 Chronicles 17:10, NASB)

THE MULTIPLICATION OF THE BLESSING

Even surrounding nations brought gifts and tribute to Jehoshaphat in large quantities.

“So Jehoshaphat grew greater and greater, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:12, NASB)

THE SECURITY PROVIDED BY THE BLESSING

“He had large supplies in the cities of Judah, and warriors, valiant mighty men, in Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 17:13, NASB)

The blessing of the LORD allowed Jehoshaphat to gather a sizable army to bolster the defense of the nation. It is noteworthy that one of the men, Amasiah, is singled out as one “who volunteered for the LORD.”

Bringing these threads together, we see that a blessing is a statement of good will and happiness that is said about another, as well as the condition that fulfills those good words. God’s original design in creation was for His creatures, including mankind, to experience prosperity, peace, and fulfillment, but that design was ruined when sin entered the world. Statements of blessing are a wish for God to restore His favor on others or a declaration of His inherent goodness. The ultimate blessing that God has given is the new life and forgiveness that comes through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The material blessings we enjoy from day to day are temporary, but the spiritual blessings available to us in Christ encompass time and eternity, as well as material and immaterial things. As the Psalmist said, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God” (Psalm 146:5). – blessing, gotquestions.org

“The difference between the blessed person and the ungodly person is that the blessed person walks according to the course of heaven and not according to the course of this world.” 

R.C. Sproul

“It is a blessed privilege to work for Christ in this perishing world.” 

Andrew Murray

“Stand in awe of Him, and be grateful for each and every thing that God has blessed you with.” 

Robert Woeger