Jehoshaphat appoints judges

2 Chronicles Chapter 19

After the big battle in which king Ahab was killed, King Jehoshaphat arrived back in Jerusalem. Hanani the seer ran to meet him and told the king that by helping the wicked, he had brought anger against himself from the Lord. The good news, however, was that the king had removed all the Asherah poles throughout the land and had committed himself to seeking God.

So Jehoshaphat went out among the people traveling over the kingdom encouraging people to return to the Lord. He appointed judges throughout the nation and gave them instructions to judge fairly and judge to please God. He further ordered them to warn the people not to sin against the Lord.

Amariah, the high priest, was to have the final say in all cases concerning the Lord. Zebadiah, son of Ishmael, leader from the tribe of Judah, would have the final say in all civil cases. The Levites would assist the judges to make sure justice was served.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: In delegating the responsibilities of ruling, Jehoshaphat's advice was that 1.Realize you are judging for God. 2. Be impartial and honest. 3. Be faithful. 4. Act only out of fear of God, not men. God holds us all accountable for the authority we exercise.


HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Like Moses did in Exodus, Jehoshaphat appointed priests and judges to administer civil law. The best kind of leader is one who always acts with reverence for God. Effective leaders get the job done, faithful leaders make sure the job is done in God's way and God's time.

Pray for our leaders of today, whether it be on a national level or local. Whether it be a senator or a school teacher. They all need to instill God's wisdom in future leaders and God's values on children and the entire community. Pray for our nation's leadership!

Yours in Christ,
Mary


Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
Pray for John recovery from a heart attack and pray he can stop smoking.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.