The Lord chastened Jehoshaphat because of his foolhardy alliance with Ahab. The discipline bought him back into right relationship with God. His repentance led him to institute judicial reforms, to bring Judah back into accord with the Mosaic Law and to insure that the poor and needy received justice and equity. There was to be no partiality or favoritism shown to anyone based on social status or wealth. Those who administered justice were to emulate the Lord, to judge with righteousness and mercy. The Chronicler desired that the Jews who had returned from Babylon would heed this lesson and remember the Lord.
And no doubt most our own leaders, judges, and politicians should take heed of Jehoshaphat’s example. They should remember that they are servants of God and servants of the people. They are not to get others to serve them, to feather their own nests or make a name or amass wealth and power for themselves. They are to provide justice and protection for those who have no one to speak for them. They are not to be influenced by groups who bribe them with money and promises for such are an abomination before the Lord. If our politicians were to carry out the ways of the Lord, the nation will be greatly blessed. But why stop there? It is also up to us, the business men and the common people to be just and fair in our dealings with other. We should always seek to build up the church and the community so that we might have a greater influence on our neighbors.
Comments