Read: 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:22-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3
Jehoshaphat reigned after his father Asa died. He assigned the military to be stationed in the fortified cities. Jehoshaphat walked with the Lord like David did in his early days and God established his kingdom. He was blessed with riches and honor. He took down the high places and got the Asherim out of Judah.
Jehoshaphat sent priests and Levites throughout Judah to teach them God’s laws. The fear of the Lord fell on the kingdoms around Judah and some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts of silver. The Arabians brought him rams and goats. He built up store houses and had a great army.
He made an alliance with Ahab the king of Israel through marriage. Ahab convinced him to go with him to war against Syria at Ramoth-gilead. The day before the battle Jehoshaphat wanted to inquire of the Lord to see if they would have success. Ahab brought all his Baal prophets who said that they would win. Jehoshaphat asked if Ahab had any prophets of the Lord to ask. Ahab knew of Micaiah but didn’t like him because he never gave him a good word.
Ahab had Micaiah brought to them and asked what he saw. He was sarcastic at first, saying just what Ahab wanted to hear, but when Ahab told him to tell the truth he told them they would be scattered on the mountains like sheep with no shepherd. He had heard the Lord say that he would convince Ahab to go to war through the lies of his prophets.
Ahab was so upset with Michaiah that he had him sent back to Israel and put in prison till he returned. Ahab and Jehoshaphat when to war the next day and Ahab disguised himself as a regular soldier but was killed by a random spear that hit in the seam of his breastplate. He died at sunset. Israel was now sheep without a shepherd.
*** In Romans, Paul explains that God makes men to carry out his wrath and also men to be vessels of his mercy to show his glory. These are not only Jews but Gentiles also. Hosea prophesied that the Gentiles would also be called sons of the living God. Isaiah prophesied that not all Israel would be saved - only a remnant.
The Jews who were given the law had to have faith to become righteousness. Paul saw that there were some who had a zeal for God, but wanted to do it their way which did not end in righteousness.
Those who live by the law will be judged by the law, but those who live by faith know that the word is in their heart and if they confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Jesus from the grave, they will be saved. This is true for the Jew and the Gentile.
Lord, may our righteousness come from our faith in you. May our actions follow our faith.
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