1 Kings 16 – 2 Kings 4
*image courtesy of jazza at www.sxc.hu
On everyone’s short list of baby names, I’m sure, is the name of today’s hero: Jehoshaphat. Aside from having a snazzy name, and apparently being known for his jumping abilities, Jehoshaphat had a remarkable characteristic that reveals itself in today’s passage.
Particularly in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Kings 3, Jehoshaphat shows his dependence on God. In both these situations, Jehoshaphat finds himself allied with the king of Israel (Ahab and Joram, respectively) in a military situation that requires some guidance. In the first instance, the question is whether or not the two kings should go to war against Aram. In the second, the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom find themselves in the predicament of having run out of water in the midst of the desert. In both situations, Jehoshaphat’s natural tendency is the same:
Let’s ask the Lord!
Whether it was seeking wisdom (yes! three days in a row! sweet!), or seeking provision, Jehoshaphat went to God. He asks virtually the same question both times, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord that we might inquire of?” He also affirms this sentiment further. In 2 Kings 3, when told that Elisha is nearby, he says “The word of the Lord is with him.” In 1 Kings 22, he mildly rebukes Ahab for not accepting the message from God through Micaiah just because he doesn’t like it. Jehoshaphat valued the wisdom of God even when it wasn’t convenient for him.
Let us be the same! When faced with a decision, let us always first think of asking God. When faced with a need or some threat, let us always first think to go to God with our need. As believers in Jesus Christ, we don’t even have to go through a prophet! We have a new and living way into the presence of God, and because of this Way (that is, Jesus), we can enter His presence boldly (Hebrews 10:19-23). If we ask anything in His Name and according to His will, He will answer us (John 14:14; 1 John 5:14). So let us enter boldly, not on our own worth but Christ’s, and seek God. We will find Him when we seek Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13)!