After being admonished by the seer, Jehoshaphat went out among the people. His basic purpose was to encourage them to return to the Lord. He appointed judges throughout the nation and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember you do not judge to please the people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. Fear the Lord and judge with integrity…”
Jehoshaphat’s advice is useful even today. He wanted the judges and the people not to forget that God holds us accountable for the authority we exercise.
He appointed priests and Levites to judge and settle civil disputes and told them, “You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.” This advice applies even today.
All that we are, all that we do, must be done in the “fear of the Lord” and “with faithfulness” and of course, with a heart that is “undivided.” This is solid advice
that will help us daily. When we respect and honor the Lord and live trusting God’s timing and God’s way we prosper in more ways than one. When we live this way we instill God’s wisdom and build his values within our circle; our community.
Our life is the most effective tool we have to deliver God’s message. The way we live it daily, says more than words can ever convey. It transmits innumerable messages to many we don’t even know are watching or listening. People will just know that we live “adoring God as the one who is over all things.”
ritasalomon 