I was recently struck by an important decision of King Jehoshaphat after he became king. Prior to him, his fathers made building cities and fortifying them a high priority. Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa were involved in extensive efforts to capture cities and they constructed walls, towers and secure gates. These building projects were wise and circumspect, good stewardship of resources to provide security for the people. Jehoshaphat did not neglect the security of the land, for he added garrisons of armed soldiers in all the cities. Yet Jehoshaphat took steps to address the spiritual insecurity and waywardness of the people--something walls, towers, gates and armed soldiers could not address.
In the third year of Jehoshaphat's reign, he sent leaders and priests throughout the region to teach his subjects the Law of God. 2 Chronicles 17:9-11 says, "So they
taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all
the cities of Judah and taught the people." See what happened after the people were taught of their God in 2 Chronicles 17:10-11: "And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the
lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against
Jehoshaphat. 11 Also some of
the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; and the
Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven
thousand seven hundred male goats." When Jehoshaphat made teaching of God's word a priority with an aim to obey it, God was an infinitely greater defence and refuge for His people than walls and gates. The fear of God on neighbouring countries was so great they did not dare attack, and some even brought gifts! Walls, gates and armies did not deter or prevent attacks like God did.
God's people are wise to look to Him rather than relying on themselves or resources for strength and security. We must decide if we are going to invest our efforts in fortifying earthly security that can be bypassed, ignored or prove inadequate or if we will build our lives on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ and His word. The words of Solomon in Proverbs 3:5-6 are timeless truth for all God's people to heed: "Trust
in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." When we are walking in step with God like Jehoshaphat, we will see the principle held forth in Proverbs 16:7 fulfilled: "When a
man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Even when troubles arise, we need not be troubled because our God is with us--the Prince of Peace.
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