Jehoshaphat was the first king since David who walked in the former ways of his father David. He obeyed God’s commandment and took delight in the Lord’s ways. (vs.3 & 4) The impact of being rooted in God’s laws becomes evident in Jehoshaphat’s life – the most significant being he started impacting the nation that he was ruling! The decision to walk in God’s commandments changed the outlook of the king; the destiny of a nation got affected. Our key verse tells us how one man’s resolve to follow the Lord would impact a whole nation!

There were wicked kings who led the nation away from God. 2Chron.15:3 "For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law…”  But when you are like a wise man who built his house upon the rock, the entrance of evil from outside cannot shake you since your life has been founded on the solid rock of God’s word. The same is the case of a family or a church or a nation. “…the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1John5:19) Parents and Leaders, the only way to protect your family and your Church is that you walk in godly ways. Demonstrate your love to God by keeping His commandments. (1John 5:3) May your life impact the people around you; may your obedience open the fountain of God’s blessings upon your life.

The benefit of directing one’s life under the word of God is given in Prov.7:1-3 and Psalm 119:33-75. The word of God has the power to change our hearts, to influence our thinking to redefine our lives! That’s what happened in the life of Jehoshaphat. In a nation where the word of God was not being taught for a long time, he decided to seek God and walk in his ways – the result is : “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat..” (vs.3) Many would like to get God’s help in their distress, but they do not want to walk with Him. In verse 4 it is written that Jehoshaphat “did not act as Israel did.”  You don’t have to follow the crowd. As a leader take your stand for the LORD – He will change whole people after you!

Verse 5 says “So the LORD established the kingdom in his control……and he had great riches and honour.”  Authority and riches and honour and came on its way! Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  We need to understand that Jehoshaphat took the word of seriously – he sent his officials to numerous cities to teach (2 Chron.17:7-9). It is amazing to note that as Jehoshaphat prevailed in obeying the word of God and established his life in it, “the dread of the LORD was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah, so that they di not make war against Jehoshaphat.” Amazing! When other kings use their muscle power to silence the enemies, Jehoshaphat aligned his life and his nation according to God’s word and God did the rest!! Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

The sum substance of his God-centered life is explained in verse 12 “So Jehoshaphat grew greater and greater……  "

Are you ready to lead a life of IMPACT? Direct your life in God’s word and experience the impact that it makes in your life. 

To Act On:

Become a person of influence!!