Exceptional Devotion to an Extraordinary God

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed in his ancestor David’s footsteps at the beginning of his reign. He did not seek the Baals, but instead sought the God of his ancestors and obeyed his commands, unlike the Israelites.” 
2 Chronicles 17:3-4

How do we as a modern-day society define the word exceptional? What are the essential characteristics that make someone, or something, rare and worthy of recognition? Many would likely point to vocational position or wealth as prime indicators. Others might claim fame and influence are benchmark traits of exceptionality. But what we find in Scripture is that God weighs exceptional characteristics much differently than humanity. And this reality is evident in the life of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. 

2 Chronicles 17 records Jehoshaphat began his reign as king correctly. He committed himself to understanding God’s decrees and faithfully observing them. He refused to endorse the personal, or corporate, acceptance of idolatry, a spiritual dilemma that plagued so many of the Hebrew tribes. Lukewarm belief is something that will always draw God’s rebuke and wrath. Scripture affirms that the Lord is not accepting of a spiritless, lackluster faith. But this condemnation was not warranted with Jehoshaphat’s conduct in his initial years as king of Judah. This young man held a singular fidelity to God, and pledged himself to adhering to the Lord’s great doctrine.      

Per 2 Chronicles 17, there were effectively three key markers that validated Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness to God: legacy, loyalty, and leadership. Regarding legacy, Jehoshaphat understood the critical importance of cherishing his heritage. Jehoshaphat was a direct descendant of King David and was no doubt familiar with his ancestor’s renowned bravery and worship-driven heart. Furthermore, Jehoshaphat’s father, Asa, experienced God’s mighty hand in powerful ways as a result of his consecrated belief in the one, true God. Were King David or King Asa perfect in their moral behavior or decision making? No. But these two specific ancestors of Jehoshaphat were widely known within Hebrew history for their willingness to let God govern and guide them. So Jehoshaphat determined to take the best of his spiritual legacy and advance it. He knew well the tremendous privilege his role as king rendered him and so he sought to humbly oversee the responsibilities that were in his charge and care.

Regarding loyalty, Jehoshaphat was fiercely obedient to God’s statements and structure. He understood that the Lord is the dominant authority and possesses the right to govern as He sees fit. Therefore, Jehoshaphat set out to affix himself to God’s Word. He did not pick and choose what instructive decrees he would submit to. Instead, Jehoshaphat allowed the all-consuming nature of Scripture to take hold of his life. Even though he was surrounded by wicked influences, particular in relation to the despicable worship practices of Baal, Jehoshaphat was not willing to let his heart be led away by carnal, immoral pursuits. He intentionally sought out God’s truth so that it would direct him and aid him in every endeavor. 

Regarding leadership, Jehoshaphat was so earnest in his devotion to God that three years into his reign as king he instituted a national reeducation of Scripture. According to 2 Chronicles 17:9, Jehoshaphat sent royal officials and priests throughout Judah to teach people about God’s Word. Jehoshaphat’s personal motivation, in that he refused to worship idols, was confirmed by his corporate message, which was carried forth through his representatives and priests. And what was the end result of Jehoshaphat’s biblical awareness campaign? God put genuine fear into all the kingdoms surrounding Judah (2 Chronicles 17:10). So-much-so that the adjacent territories were afraid to even go to war with Judah, and in some cases paid Jehoshaphat a tribute to prevent Judah’s military aggression (2 Chronicles 17:11). 

In all, 2 Chronicles 17 reveals that a dedication to God can bring about a blessed peace and joy. Jehoshaphat’s relationship with God yielded indescribable benefit. The civil leader was true to the eternal God, the great King of glory, and his exceptional devotion provided evidential mercies of an extraordinary Lord. Did Jehoshaphat have a great vocational position? Yes. Did he have wealth? Yes. Did he enjoy fame and influence? Yes. But is that what the Bible highlights as the exceptional qualities of Jehoshaphat? No. What stood out about Jehoshaphat was his passion to rely on the Word of God. He chose to break apart from the idolatrous example of his Israelite brethren and maintained a bold conviction to serve God and God alone. Truly, this king was rare because his heart was attuned to the things of God. May we, like Jehoshaphat, be exceptional in our devotion to the extraordinary God.