2 Chronicles 17:3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals 4 but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. 5 The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. 6 His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
I am amazed how God blesses a life that walks in obedience. Jehoshaphat is a great example of this. The passage above says "he walked in the ways (of God)" he was taught. He didn't go along with everyone else, he was bold in following the commands of his God. His heart was devoted to the Lord and he wasn't afraid to remove the idol gods of others worshippers in Israel. He wasn't worried about offending others. For this, God blessed him greatly. "The Lord established his kingdom" and the entire nation brought gifts to him they loved him so much. He received great wealth and honor.
Even though Jehoshaphat was considered blessed and favored by Almighty God, today he would have considered fanatical, a bigot and a hate-monger. He wouldn't have been King long in a country like ours. He would have been impreached in no time.
Jehoshaphat's devotion to the one and true God is rare in public life today. This is no doubt the reason why we see very little long-standing success today. Its really pretty simple...walk in obedience and God will bless you. This is a very obvious principle throughout the Old and New Testaments. Obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings about the curse.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Randy
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