A King's Worthy Example

If one lives long enough he will admit, "I don’t know!" Only fools resist the obvious and slog forward in unconfessed ignorance. This week I was reminded of this truth while reading my friend and fellow US Missionary Rick Roberts’ novel Firing Squad.¹ The plot includes a tense moment when a judge sought the Lord’s guidance. In his preparations for sentencing a murderer a Christian judge prayed an excerpt from King Jehoshaphat’s prayer, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)

The setting for the prayer adds weight to the simplicity of the prayer.

• Jehoshaphat was an upright man and dedicated to national reforms. He had led Judah out of a spiritual and moral morass. His father Asa has been a loved and respected leader but had foolishly entered into political and military alliances that proved detrimental to Judah. Jehoshaphat spent no time blaming his father for his troubles, he simply called out to the Lord for help.
• Jehoshaphat was transparent. The problem King Jehoshaphat experienced would trouble any national leader. The armies of rival Moab and Ammon declared war and were encroaching at Judah’s board. Jehoshaphat’s response to their threat is a practical template for leaders. "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him." (2 Chronicles 20:3-4) Notice, the king offered no "spin," and no cronies tried to sway public opinion.
• Jehoshaphat taught Judah’s citizens how to pray by publicly exposing his heart in intercession. Good leaders teach the importance and patterns of prayer to those who follow. Pastoral prayers are powerful because they are multiplied as congregants learn and emulate the one charged with their soul’s safety.
• Jehoshaphat life and leadership were validated by the Holy Spirit. Something always happens when people pray! "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel . . . a Levite . . . as he stood in the assembly. He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’" (2 Chronicles 20:12-17)
• And then, after the mass prayer meeting, the prophetic word sent by the Spirit, the worship began. Jehoshaphat appointed worshipers to sing of the Lord’s splendor and holiness. (2 Chronicles 20:21) With the sounds of worship in the background, God sent an ambush!

Jehoshaphat and the Judeans spent their time plundering their dead enemies.

We all have had occasions when we didn’t know what to do. King Jehoshaphat has served us well in providing a pattern worthy of following.