2 Chronicles 17
Scripture:
3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals
4 but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel.
5 The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.
6 His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah.
8 With them were certain Levites–Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Adonijah–and the priests Elishama and Jehoram.
9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.
Observation:
One of most startling and humbling experiences in fatherhood is when you notice one of your kids acting or talking like you do. It’s that moment when you realize that your kids are always watching and always learning. That’s when you embrace your role as a father and a leader and set your heart to be a good example for your family to follow.
In this passage, Jehoshaphat walked in the ways of his father and sought the God of his father. Clearly, this took place because his father set a good example and taught the ways of the Lord to his son. In addition, In verse 9 we see that Jehoshaphat sent out leaders to teach the towns of Judah the Book of the Law. In order for the people to obey God’s Word they need to know God’s Word. We see that Jehoshaphat learned about the Lord from his father, obeyed God, and then set out to teach everyone God’s Law. As Spirit-Empowered Men, we must recognize that people are always learning from us. The real question is not “if” they are learning but “what” they are learning from us. I encourage you to live your life in a manner that honors God. Also, make an effort to teach God’s Word to your family in both words and action.
Application:
- Personal Application: Devote yourself to the study of God’s Word, therefore you will be more equipped to live a life that honors God.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Make a commitment to them that you will endeavor to live your life in a manner that honors God. Also, agree on a day and time where the family can get together and study God’s Word. Pray with them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for wisdom and understanding as you study His Word and set out to teach others through your life.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will always be in a place where they will be able to hear the teaching of God’s Word. Pray that their hearts will be open to be transformed by Scripture.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, September 13 – Sunday, September 20:
- Sunday, September 13: 2 Chronicles 16
- Monday, September 14: 2 Chronicles 17
- Tuesday, September 15: 2 Chronicles 18
- Wednesday, September 16: 2 Chronicles 19
- Thursday, September 17: 2 Chronicles 20
- Friday, September 18: 2 Chronicles 21
- Saturday, September 19: 2 Chronicles 22
- Sunday, September 20: 2 Chronicles 23
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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