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Matthew 1:8a
We learn about the reign of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 17-20 and 1 Kings 22:41-50. Great things were done through the reign of King Jehoshaphat, and he obtained riches and sought the ways of his father Asa (2 Chronicles 17:1-6). But we also learn in 1 Kings 22:43 and 2 Chronicles 20:33 that he did not execute the authority to complete the mission of removing all the high places and wooden images as the hearts of the people remained callus to God.
This is the genealogy of Jesus from Asa to Jehoshaphat.
Studying the life of Jehoshaphat is tough as the Scriptures teach us that he sought the ways of his father Asa (2 Chronicles 17:1-6), but in 2 Chronicles 20:33 we learn that he was somewhat unsuccessful in accomplishing his mission of removing all the idols from the country. However, the reason is that, “for as yet the people had not directed their hearts to the God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 20:33, NKJV).
This is a great lesson for us as we strive to follow the ways of the LORD in and through our relationship with Him in Christ Jesus; We can live a life that is reflective of our Lord and Savior Jesus and share the love that He has shown us to others, but we cannot force them to open their hearts to Jesus – it is a decision that must be made by each of us on our own through faith, not force. But it is important that we continue to strive for the goal as did King Jehoshaphat. The Apostle Paul speaks on this matter in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 and proclaims in Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV), “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Dear LORD,
If there was ever one to set the example of not looking at the past but focusing on the forward goal of Christ Jesus in their life, it would be the Apostle Paul as he once persecuted the Church but saw the light of Christ Jesus in his life and then pressed forward toward the goal for the rest of his life. Please help us LORD to understand that through our striving to bring You glory through our lives and to share the gospel with others, that everyone will not put their faith in Jesus as their Savior. But give us the strength to continue to strive for the prize – the goal of our faith in Christ Jesus, that we would keep our faith in Him and share the gospel that we might lead others to You as well – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.