Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"The Courage of Jehoshaphat"
June 13, 2020
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. ... His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD.
Please note that Jehoshaphat's one, all-absorbing aim was to have his country covenanted with God! He brought his people together for prayer and contrition. If our nation's presidents, following the example of Washington, Lincoln, and other chief executives, would call the people to repentance, and if the country with one accord would confess its sins, we could start on the road to real national rebuilding. A contrite land humbled to its knees before the Ruler of the universe has more promise of peace in its repentant faith than a thousand treaties which leave no room for the Savior.
Here's is Scripture's own promise: "If My people who are called by My Name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). This is the Almighty's pledge. It can never be broken.
Wise Jehoshaphat also recognized the importance of the family in the life of the nation. Homes dedicated to God, he knew, were a strong bulwark of national happiness. Do we know this today? How can we expect God to grant us peace with other countries when many within our borders do not maintain peace in their own homes? Give your home to Jesus, and it becomes a protection for peace!
While Jehoshaphat foresaw the Messiah only dimly, we can look back to the fulfillment of prophecy and clearly behold the Christ, the Son of the Most High, the one true Prince of Peace. This is the glory of Lutheran Hour Ministries' radio mission—your Lord. He is the God of love, who sought you ages before you knew Him; the God of grace, who in His measureless compassion gave His own holy, sinless Self into the darkest death, sentenced in your stead, cursed for your crimes, crucified for your guilt, killed for your life.
He is the God of salvation, who asks only that you confess your sins and trust in Him to be assured of a place prepared for you in heaven (see 1 John 1:9). He is the God of life, whose rising from the grave is a seal of your own resurrection. He is the Savior of the world, who died on the cross to remove your guilt, to bring you back to His Father, stainless, holy, and free.
So, which shall it be—Christ or conflict, world salvation, or world struggle? May the Holy Spirit grant now that each of us, with Jehoshaphat's firm trust, draw near to the sin-removing, peace-bestowing Lamb of God.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give us the faith and courage of Jehoshaphat, so we too may live in dedicated service to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. Does our country seem like its struggling to you? How so?From "Must We Fight World War III?" a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier, the first Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
2. What were some of the positive things Jehoshaphat did that were similar to things David did?
3. Do you try to make your home a place where spiritual conversations take place about God and faith?
Does our country seem like its struggling to you? How so?
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