RESTORING ORDER. 2nd Chronicles 19 Leaders might not realize it at the time, but when they step out of line or make poor or even inappropriate decisions, many people are impacted. The attempt to connect with Ahab and Israel would have been felt throughout all of Judah. Leaders cannot act independently without creating a ripple effect that extends across the entire nation. Additionally, it should never be assumed that everything is going well simply because there are no apparent problems. When Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem "in peace," he may have thought that was all there was to his foolish actions in Israel. However, it's essential to acknowledge that there are always consequences to accept for every poor decision.
When Jehu the prophet met Jehoshaphat, he didn't hold back. He spoke boldly and clearly, leaving no doubt about his rebuke of the king. He condemned the alliance Jehoshaphat formed with Ahab, using strong words about helping the ungodly. Jehoshaphat humbled himself before the prophet Jehu, in contrast to his father Asa, who had not humbled himself before Jehu’s father, Hanani.
Whether we want to admit it or not, helping the ungodly even in a small way makes us responsible for our actions. How can we participate in an event or act carried out by those who hate God and think we are not involved? Believers are to love what God loves and hate what God hates. "Friendship with the world is enmity with God." In the world, we are expected to be people of holy character and righteous actions. A believer’s honesty in the workplace is based on their character and the justice of God.
It is wise to highlight what is commendable in a person's actions or character when offering correction or rebuke. The proper way to give a rebuke is to ensure there is a clear conclusion that we expect as a result. Whether it's a behavior change, correcting a mistake, or abandoning an unacceptable practice in a believer's life, the person being rebuked needs to know that a solution is offered and that a good outcome is expected. Things should not be left uncertain or open to speculation, nor should one be left wondering what else needs to be done.
It is not easy to be rebuked, nor is it easy not to feel resentful afterward. The way I respond shows what kind of person I am. If I become defensive and try to justify my actions, it reveals that I am unwilling to accept responsibility. That is a typical reaction of an unbeliever who does not see truth and righteousness as necessary. If a believer tries to justify their actions despite evidence against them, it shows they are distant from the Lord and need to be warned or, hopefully, accept wise counsel.
It was commendable that Jehoshaphat did not respond or retaliate in any way, but instead recognized he needed to take action to repair the damage he had caused. Jehu not only condemned what was wrong but also praised Jehoshaphat for the "good things found in thee." He had prepared his heart to seek God.
Repentance is not only in words but is demonstrated by actions that reveal the true nature of repentance. The attitude of a repentant person is an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, recognizing that God is right, and understanding how one should live. A change in attitude and actions shows a change of heart.
Jehoshaphat did something that probably was not done by many rulers of nations - he visited every part of the country to bring them "back to the Lord God of your fathers." He took the rebuke seriously and immediately began to correct the mistake he had made and the possible harm it could have caused to his people. By taking action to unite and restore the people under divine authority, the reforms he implemented had a positive impact on everyone. Authentic restoration brings blessings to many.
Without just and righteous laws, no nation can thrive; it will eventually crumble from within. This has happened to many countries in the past and can happen to ours if we are not cautious. Sometimes, reform is necessary to stabilize the people, the economy, and the government. Promoting righteousness in an unrighteous nation, where citizens are accustomed to sin, is a very challenging task. Laws are meant to uphold standards of behavior, but when they are altered to fit the changing morals of the people, the nation risks slipping into moral decline. Leaders who walk with God can trust that God will accompany them when making decisions that affect the people. Fairness, honesty, and impartiality among judges—those who do not take bribes and are committed to upholding the law—are essential for citizens to live a "quiet and peaceable life [lived] in all godliness and honesty.” Decisions made with reverence for God and faithfulness to His word are the ways laws are upheld and chaos is kept away from people's everyday lives. When delegating responsibilities for leading, guiding, and judging matters among God’s people, realize that you are acting as God's judge. Be impartial because God is no respecter of persons. Be faithful to the Lord and support your decisions by the Word of God. Be honest in your considerations and conclusions. Act in the fear of God, not in fear of the people. Leaders are accountable to God and to the assembly of God’s people when they pass judgments. Jehoshaphat appointed judges throughout the land in key cities, who were responsible for settling disputes and maintaining peace. These judges had to follow God's laws carefully. A "supreme court" was established in Jerusalem to handle all cases brought before it. This court was composed of priests and Levites, who examined the matter from a moral and spiritual perspective, and chief fathers, who considered it from a civil and secular standpoint. When a balanced court makes decisions, the result will be approved by God. "The Lord who is with you in the judgment." God's wisdom was given to them when decision-making was done God's way, in God's time, and according to God's will. We can still have that divine wisdom in the decisions we make, whether they are small or large. Interestingly, Amariah, the high priest, presided over the court and made the right decisions in religious matters, while Zebadiah held a similar position in the civil court. There is a distinction between the "matters of the Lord" and the king's concerns. Maintaining a balance of justice and righteousness in a society is essential. It is not always easy to decide what is right. Therefore, more than one person is needed to help preserve the legal, moral, and spiritual integrity of a nation and community. When actions are performed in an orderly manner and are suitable for the situation, we can make decisions confidently and expect positive results. An awareness of God's holiness fosters reverence for Him, as well as effectiveness in doing the work of the Lord according to His way and in His time. Wise leaders will pass on what they have learned to future leaders who care for God’s people. Biblical truth and values are built into an assembly by those who fear and love the Lord, and who love and care for His people. Judges There were teachers first who taught the truth of God, so the people of the Lord would know what was expected of them in the daily course of life and how they should live with others and not be conflicted. But humans, to a man, are prone to fail—each wants the balances tipped in his favor. So, we need judges to hear each detail so that each community can savor a peaceful life.
To pass a fair and just judgment, a leader must realize that they are judging in the name of God. The decisions he makes should be based on the fact that he is accountable before the Lord. This makes it serious enough that when he makes a decision, he understands he will also be judged by the Judge, who knows not only the actions but also considers the motives behind what someone does.
It is essential to remember that God examines the hearts of men, so those who judge others must make their decisions with honesty. To do this, we should review the incident from its inception and consider the reasons behind the current situation. It is not always easy to be impartial to everyone – some people we tend to favor for one reason or another. However, a judge must remember that before giving the verdict, their decision must be impartial, whether it concerns a stranger or a brother.
A faithful judge can be relied upon to act out of the fear of God, no matter how much pressure any man may try to put on him. We are not left without guidance; God has given His Word, and the Spirit of God guides us to do more than we naturally can. It would be wrong to avoid the responsibility God places on those He has given wisdom to—whether to bring an end to an incident of wrong from the past or to assist someone facing a decision in a state of confusion.