Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat
| “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” exclaimed Frank as he waved his arms up and down like a goose ready for flight. Frank was an old retired carpenter who worked with us on the farm when I was a teenager. It tickled me to hear him use his favorite expression. One summer day I was on a tractor mowing weeds. I accidentally got into an overgrown weed patch that happened to be the garden of the man who was the milker at the dairy barn. Bob lived in a trailer nearby. When Frank saw where I was mowing, he ran toward me waving his arms and shouting, “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat! Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” Unfortunately he was too late and most of the overgrown garden was a goner. Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat! |
I’m not sure where Frank picked up that expression but I later came across an interesting character in the Bible. King Jehoshaphat became ruler of the southern tribes of Judah and reigned from Jerusalem. He was one of the few good kings after David.
This New Year a character study of Jehoshaphat would teach us some great lessons on success and prosperity. (II Chronicles 17 and 18) Curiously King Jehoshaphat formed an alliance with wicked King Ahab of Israel. He even arranged for his son to marry Ahab’s daughter. The Bible says, “Now Jehoshaphat enjoyed great riches and high esteem BUT” (II Chronicles 18:1). What can we learn from Jehoshaphat?
First – FRIENDSHIP WITH THE “WORLD” will bring defeat. “You, adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4 NASB). Jehoshaphat’s friendship with Ahab almost cost him his life. “Bad company corrupts good character” (I Corinthians 15:33 NASB). Choose your friends wisely. Are they godly and committed to the Lord?
Second – FELLOWSHIP. Fellowship with idols brought about Israel’s downfall. They were unfaithful to God. They were called spiritual “adulteresses” or “harlots”. Jehoshaphat was committed to the Lord. He knocked down the pagan shrines and destroyed the heathen Asherah poles. (II Chronicles 16:5-6)
Do Americans worship idols? Yes – gods that promote “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life” are in most homes in America. (I John 2:16) It matters to God what we view and listen to. Behind “idols” are demon spirits. One fellowships with what they view and listen to. (I Corinthians 10:20) “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons: you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons” (I Corinthians 10:21). Jump like Jehoshaphat to rid your self of any idols in your life – fellowship with God. (Revelation 3:20)
Third – FEED on the word of God. After the holidays many of us make a resolution to eat healthier. Even better is to feed more on the word of God this coming New Year. King Jehoshaphat sent out teachers of the word of God to travel through the land. (II Chronicles 17:7-10) Notice the result – “Then the fear of the Lord fell over all the surrounding kingdoms so that none of them declared war on Jehoshaphat” (II Chronicles 17:10 NLT). The word of God will purify your heart, increase your faith, and bring success and prosperity when believed and obeyed. (Psalm 119; Joshua 1:1-9; John 15:7-8) Are you feeding on the word of God?
Fourth – FIND OUT what God says and do what He says. Jehoshaphat and Ahab decided to go to war against their enemies. Jehoshaphat gave some wise advice. “But first let’s find out what the Lord says” (II Chronicles 18:4). Before making your own plans it’s wise to find out what God says in His word. What is His will? (James 1:1-23; 4:13) OBEY Him.
Fifth – FIRE any “yes men” and listen to godly counselors and prophets who will speak the truth to you. In a humorous but serious account, Ahab brings in his “yes men” who always tell him what he wants to hear. (II Chronicles 18 NLT) Jehoshaphat wants to hear what the Lord’s prophet, Micaiah, has to say. Ahab doesn’t want him to come because “I hate him, for he never prophecies good concerning me but always evil” (II Chronicles 18:7). Sometimes the word of God will be like good medicine. It may taste bad to us but to get well and prosper we must take it. (II Chronicles 19:9) Fire the “yes men” and say “yes” to God’s word of wisdom. Let the fire of His presence burn brightly within you this year.
Sixth – FORGET NOT the mercy of God. Jehoshaphat made some mistakes, but because he knew God is merciful God blessed him. (Psalm 103:1-5) Even when he was running for his life through a hail of arrows, “Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord to save him and God helped him by turning the attack away from him” (II Chronicles 18:32 NLT).
Frank forgave my blunder in the garden. I hope Bob the milker did. If you’re in trouble jumpin’ Jehoshaphat – call on the Lord’s mercy like the despised publican. “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Have a Happy New Year!
by: Cliff Sanders