For all his mistakes in making unwise alliances, Jehoshaphat truly did love the Lord. Jehu noted this even as he rebuked Jehoshaphat saying,
There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God. (3)
Chastened, but perhaps encouraged by these words, Jehoshaphat went among the people to try to turn them back to the Lord.
In doing so, he appointed judges, priests, elders, and Levites to lead the people and judge disputes. As he did, he reminded them that they were under authority. Not just Jehoshaphat’s, but God’s.
He told the judges,
Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man, but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God, there is no injustice or partiality or bribery. (6-7)
To the priests, Levites, and elders, he said,
You must serve faithfully, and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. (9)
Like these men, we are people under God’s authority. That knowledge should color everything we do, because we are merely serving people, but God. And God expects us to be faithful in what he’s called us to do, and to do everything wholeheartedly. Because of this, we need to consider very carefully the things we do and how we do them.
Paul put it this way,
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
Always remember that no matter what your position or what you’re doing, you are under God’s authority. May we always live in a way that brings honor to his name.
