Would many national leaders listen to the rebuke of a modern day man of God? Let’s look at 2 Chronicles 19.
Did Jehu the seer chastise Jehoshaphat for collaboration with a wicked king? Should we choose alliances carefully?
Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. But 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? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.” (2 Chr 19:1-3 ESV)
Did Jehoshaphat bring many people back to the Lord? What was the result?
Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beer-sheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. He appointed judges in all the fortified cities of the land of Judah, city by city. Then he said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the matter of judgment. And now, may the terror of the Lord be on you. Watch what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking bribes with the Lord our God.” (2 Chr 19:4-7 HCSB)
Did Jehoshaphat appoint judges for difficult cases and warn them to be just?
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat also appointed certain descendants of Levi, priests, and family leaders of Israel to render verdicts for the Lord and to decide difficult cases. Their offices were in Jerusalem. He issued this reminder to them: “You are to carry out your duties in the fear of the Lord, serving him faithfully with your whole heart. No matter what case comes before you from your fellow citizens who live in their own cities, whether it’s a dispute between blood relatives or a dispute regarding the Law and the commands, statutes, or verdicts, you are to warn the parties so that they do not become guilty in the Lord’s presence and so that anger does not come upon you and your fellow citizens. (2 Chr 19:8-10 ISV)
Who were the chief officers reporting to king Jehoshaphat directly?
And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good. (2 Chr 19:11 KJV)
How should we act when the Lord rebukes us for our sins?
And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He flogs every son whom He receives.” (Heb 12:5-6 LSB)
Would many national leaders listen to the rebuke of a modern day man of God? You decide!
