February 17: 2 Chronicles 19
The Father’s Discipline
We often have had the impression that reproof and correction are signs of displeasure and desire to inflict pain. God never treats his children in disgust. He always seeks to reprove and correct because He loves us and wants what is best for us.
After Jehoshaphat returns from the disastrous battle in chapter 18 of 2 Chronicles, he is challenged by God’s prophet. The words are very direct and convicting.
“Then Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned safely to his house in Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore the wrath of the LORD is upon you. Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.”” (2 Chronicles 19:1-3, NKJV, emphasis mine)
God saw the desire that Jehoshaphat had to seek the LORD. This challenge was meant to warn Jehoshaphat not to continue his compromise and alliance with those who do evil. No good can come from throwing in our lot with the wicked. When God disciplines us, we should receive it as God’s desire to help us grow and prosper.
“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “MY SON, DO NOT DESPISE THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD, NOR BE DISCOURAGED WHEN YOU ARE REBUKED BY HIM; FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS, AND SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”” (Hebrews 12:5-6, NKJV, emphasis theirs)
When we are disciplined and receive it in the proper spirit, we experience beneficial results.
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11, NKJV)
We see here that Jehoshaphat responded well to the word of the LORD from Jehu. He did not react as his father had, who imprisoned the prophet sent to reprove him. Instead, Jehoshaphat focused on being a faithful king to the LORD and for the people.
He set about to reform the judicial system.
“And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” (2 Chronicles 19:5-7, KJV)
Our judicial system needs this kind of reform. Jehoshaphat also involved the religious leaders, Levites and priests, in these reforms. He gave them a solemn charge.
“Then he charged them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly.” (2 Chronicles 19:9, NAS95)
Fair…Just…Impartial…Equitable. When a judicial system does not consider that God is just and that He loves justice, it is certain to go awry. Where there is no fear of the LORD, judges and officials may think that they are answerable only to themselves. Sadly, they do not realize that there is a higher authority to which all of us must answer someday. Society will not flourish where some are given harsh sentences and others let go for the same offences. It cannot flourish when lawlessness goes unchecked. It cannot prosper when the law is dispensed unevenly and with impure motives. It cannot succeed where decisions are politically or financially motivated. Jehoshaphat’s final charge is very appropriate for our day.
“And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the upright!”” (2 Chronicles 19:11, ESV, emphasis mine)
- Pray that justice will prevail in our judicial system.
- Pray that God will bring strong conviction on those in the judicial arena who act unjustly and pronounce unjust sentences.
- Pray that God will raise up those who seek to curb lawlessness.
- Pray for those whose job is to uphold that law and stand in harm’s way doing so.
- Pray that God will uphold and strengthen those who seek to dispense justice and that they will have the courage to do what is right.
- Pray that God will lead more Christians to be involved in our judicial system at all levels.
- Pray that we will receive reproof and correction in ways that will be beneficial to our walk with God.
REVDANS 