For these last two Sundays of July we’re exploring the life of Jehoshaphat as part of our Consecrated Lives series. He’s an exemplary man—a true champion! So, naturally, we wonder, Who helped shape him?
Undoubtedly, his father Asa. Take a look at him.1 For 35 years Asa reigned—with rest on every side—seeking the Lord and courageously leading the people to follow God. “He did good and right in the sight of the Lord,” we’re told.2
But in his 36th year, a neighboring king attacked him. And this time he didn’t seek the Lord. Instead, he cleaned out his treasuries and hired another king’s army to gain the upper hand.
God wasn’t pleased with Asa’s self-sufficient attitude. When God confronted him through a prophet, Asa became enraged and even more defiant.
Sadly, that’s how he finished out the five remaining years of his reign. During that time he became severely diseased in his feet “Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but only the physicians.”3
You know that old saying, don’t you? “Few finish well.” Asa surely didn’t.
And I think it really impacted Jehoshaphat. He seems to have made a determined decision to do differently. And he did! I’m looking forward to sharing more with you Sunday about how Jehoshaphat ran well all the way to the end!
In the meantime, how are you doing? Are you struggling? Are you exhausted? Do you just feel like giving up? Take a page from the life of Jehoshaphat—not Asa. Make the determined decision to hang in there and run well all the way to the end. Be one of the few who finish well.
Finishing grace to you,
Paul
2 2 Chronicles 14:2
3 2 Chronicles 16:12