June 25. 1 Kings 15:25-16:34 2 Chronicles 17

 

Today’s Scripture reading is a wild read! Uprisings, murders, assassinations of kings. Reigns as short as seven days, it all seems so crazy when narrated together. Every name is followed by a description or summary of that man’s life and place in history. But one man stands out for good rather than evil in this review of Kings. His name was Jehoshaphat, and this is part of the description that follows his name:

 

2 Chron. 17:6 He boldly followed the paths of God—

 

A dictionary definition of bold might be: (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous. But as the review of his reign continues a clearer picture of what God means by boldness emerges.

 

Being bold first means accepting responsibility and taking action.

 

17:1 Then his son Jehoshaphat became the king and mobilized for war…

 

It means being teachable and having good mentors and counselors in your life.

 

3 he followed in the good footsteps of his father’s early years and did not worship idols.

 

Boldness is recognizing God’s absolute authority and submitting to it.

 

4 He obeyed the commandments of his father’s God

 

Making the hard choice and living differently from the world. Saying what needs to be said and doing what needs to be done.

 

6 knocking down the heathen altars

 

Boldness is caring for the spiritual well-being of others and the expansion of God’s kingdom.

 

7-9 In the third year of his reign he began a nationwide religious education program… to teach the Scriptures to the people.

 

It is continuing to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, His wisdom and His will. And using that growth in order to protect others and provide for others.

 

12 So Jehoshaphat became very strong and built fortresses and supply cities throughout Judah.

 

Focusing on resourcing continued success rather than basking in present success. Build for the future.

 

13 His public works program was also extensive

 

Building momentum by building a team.

 

19 These were the troops in Jerusalem in addition to those placed by the king in the fortified cities throughout the nation.

 

Everyone will have a description written at the end of their life. What will follow your name? Bold is not a bad description to strive towards acquiring. If you want to leave the impact you want, and the impact your family needs, and impact the world will benefit from, you need to live boldly, Jehoshaphat bold.