Jehoshaphat was the new king in Judah. “Okay, thanks for all your kind words and congratulatory messages but the coronation is now over. It’s time to get to work. During my reign, I want to see our Kingdom flourish for the Lord.”
In fact, the king not only sought after the Lord; he was courageous for the Lord. His heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord. He was excited about the opportunity he had during his reign to promote the ways of the Lord throughout the land. His wasn’t a caretaker government. He realized there was a window of opportunity for him to make a difference and then it would quickly close.
Jehoshaphat also understood that making a difference wasn’t just a matter of dealing with the wrong things in people’s lives. Yes, the traces of idolatry had to be removed; torn down and stripped away. But this wise king knew there was more to living for the Lord than the prohibitions.
“My people need to see the big picture. They need to understand ‘why’ idol worship is wrong and they also need to learn more about
God and what pleases Him. Getting this life-changing message across to the people is a top priority for me during my reign as king. Today, I am announcing the formation of a 16 member Teaching Team. I have commissioned them to go to every community for teaching sessions. They will be carrying the book of the law of the Lord with them.”
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent”. five princes, nine Levites and two priests to teach in the cities of Judah. “And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 2Chronicles 17:6-10
How much teaching are you initiating during your time of responsibility and influence? Is teaching a priority for you? How do you know if the teaching in the local church is effective? What are your markers? Is attendance improving or declining? Is there an appetite and enthusiasm for the Word of God – beyond those who publicly contribute on a regular basis?
Don’t assume that a decline is the result of uncommitted Christians or carnal ones either. Take a good hard look at the effectiveness of the teaching of the Word of God as perceived by the less vocal members and also the ones you fear may be at risk in your fellowship. Perhaps the spiritual nourishment they need and the method of teaching is not up to par.
Jehoshaphat wanted his people to be fully conversant in the Law of God – to see the big picture; so, he put a special plan in place to make it happen. Do you have a teaching strategy or is it hit and miss? Are the believers receiving predictable expositional teaching through the Scriptures? Are we following the New Testament practices for teaching the Word of God or are we relying on the methods practiced in the last 150 years? Is the oversight praying about the teaching goals for the local assembly for 2020?
May the Lord raise up Jehoshaphats who have a love for the Word of God, a burden to see its truths taught effectively to all and a vision and action-oriented plan to make it happen.
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay
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