This week's Come Follow Me study.
Today's Come Follow Me study focuses on 2 Chronicles 19–20, highlighting King Jehoshaphat's efforts to seek the Lord and the miraculous deliverance granted to Judah when they put their trust in Him. This passage powerfully illustrates how the Lord strengthens and delivers those who turn to Him in adversity.
Scripture Reference(s) and Link(s):
* 2 Chronicles 19: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-chr/19?lang=eng
* 2 Chronicles 20: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-chr/20?lang=eng
Brief Historical and Narrative Context:
After an ill-advised alliance with wicked King Ahab of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah was rebuked by the prophet Jehu but also commended for having good things found in him, specifically for removing idols and preparing his heart to seek God. In response, Jehoshaphat diligently established judges throughout Judah and in Jerusalem, instructing them to judge righteeously and with the fear of the Lord. Soon after these reforms, Judah faced a formidable threat: a vast confederacy of Ammonites, Moabites, and inhabitants of Mount Seir invaded the land. In this moment of national crisis, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah, and he, along with all the people, gathered at the temple to seek the Lord's help through a heartfelt prayer, acknowledging their complete reliance on God. The Lord responded through the prophet Jahaziel, promising that the battle was not theirs, but God's, and instructed them to go forth without fear, for they would see the salvation of the Lord.
Reflective Questions:
1. In 2 Chronicles 20:12, Jehoshaphat prayed, "neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." When have you faced a challenge where you felt you had no might and didn't know what to do, and how did turning your "eyes upon the Lord" influence the outcome or your perspective?
2. Jehoshaphat encouraged his people to "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper" (2 Chronicles 20:20). What does it mean to truly believe in the Lord and His prophets in a way that leads to being established and prospering in your daily life?
Closing Tying Insight:
The account of Jehoshaphat teaches us that even when we stumble, sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to God can lead to profound blessings and divine intervention. When faced with overwhelming adversaries, whether external threats or personal struggles, our greatest strength comes from collectively and individually seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting, trusting in His prophets, and worshipping Him. This week, let us focus on intentionally seeking the Lord in every decision, big or small, remembering that when our eyes are upon Him, He will guide and deliver us, often in miraculous ways, just as He did for Jehoshaphat and Judah.