3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals, 4but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did. 10 Now the dread of the Lord was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
Whenever I read about Godly men in my Bible reading I am reminded of men who played a great part in my life. As I read about Jehoshaphat in our scripture today I was reminded of one particular old brother in Christ, who is now with his Lord in Glory. Peter Queen was an elderly man when I first met him, a quiet man who impressed me with his Biblical knowledge. I listened intently to his prayers and his exposition of portions of scripture that amazed me as a young man. One day I plucked up the courage to ask Peter how he studied the Bible to be so knowledgeable in it, his answer astonished me. He wrote it all down, all of it! Everyday he read, prayed, and wrote it all down. He had been doing this for many years, and how his God had rewarded him in this. In my fifties now, I miss Godly men like Peter and others that I had the privilege to listen to and learn from.
Jehoshaphat was a Godly man like Peter, “he took great pride in the ways of the LORD” (2 Chron.17:6a). He removed fake gods from Judah and he had the Word of God (The Law) taught in the cities of Judah to all the people. News of God-fearing Jehoshaphat spread far and wide throughout the region and beyond; all Judah’s neighbours feared the God of Jehoshaphat and chose peace rather than war. Some even sent gifts of tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he prospered by the blessing of God.
Dear reader, Peter Queen was a working class man but he was a child of God who loved his Father deeply, and it showed. Jehoshaphat had great influence for God, and so did Peter. We need the influence of such Godly men today, in our homes, communities and churches. No matter what this gender fluid world says God fearing fathers (and mothers) are important, and can’t be replaced. Our Father God is looking for Godly men (and women) who will stand by and share His Word with young people; could this be your calling? Seek His guidance in this and any matter, always on your knees.
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Alan Kearns is a Christian father and grandfather from Scotland. He was raised in the mining villages of Fife and came to know Jesus as his Lord and Saviour in 1984. Major influences that lead Alan to Jesus was his Christian mum, grandparents and an aunt. Alan writes regular devotionals in his blog, Devotional Treasures (https://devotionaltreasure.wordpress.com/).
Article and photo used by permission
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