Jehoshaphat Encourages People to Turn Back to God

II Chronicles 19:1–11
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We find Jehoshaphat initiating new reforms within the judicial system. He traveled throughout Judea to encourage people to turn back to the Lord God of their fathers.  Throughout the land he appointed godly judges to judge not for man but for the Lord. They were to have no respect of persons, impartiality, nor taking of gifts, or bribery for a favorable court decision. (Deut. 6:18-20). 

Since Jerusalem was centrally located it served as the site for the final court of appeals “for the judgment of the Lord” in all religious cases and controversies (v. 8).  Over this court he had Amariah the chief priest overseeing religious cases and Zebadiah to oversee civil cases. The Levites would have offices to serve and help the judges. They were to deal courageou­sly, and the Lord would be with them.

Application

Isn’t there a great need to have good leadership in our land today? What can we do about this?  I Timothy 2:1-3 tells us we are to pray for kings and for all that are in authority. I could put in my Prayer Diary those in leadership and pray for them each day and I could pray with my family for those in authority. Also, it is my privilege and responsibility to vote when election time comes.