Nougat 14

Today’s Holy Nougat brings hope and a challenge to us. Chew slowly

“Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out among the people, traveling from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, encouraging the people to return to the Lord, the God of their ancestors … and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭4‬, ‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Experience Teaching Wisdom

Let’s think about the background to our Nougat just now. When we’re introduced to him, Jehoshaphat was in God’s bad books. To the extent that the prophet went to warn him about his lifestyle (see verse 2). He wasn’t fully bad; but he truly wasn’t good. At the time of the prophet’s visit, he was still God-fearing, albeit somewhat selective in His worship. Does it sound familiar? For some of us, it does, as it describes our own lives – in the past.

In King Jehoshaphat’s defense, he did not remain in God’s bad books – oh no. He humbled himself to heed the prophet’s warning. And in heeding, Brother J – king of Israel – was a changed man. He took to the hills and valleys like a modern street preacher, encouraging his people to return to their first Love. For truly, a God Who not only created the universe, but was also willing to warn King J that he was out of line; affording King J opportunity for repentance.

As one in top leadership, Jehoshaphat understood grace and pardon. He also understood what needed to be done next. King J didn’t keep such a wonderful gift to himself. Humbled, he used his experience of God’s grace to further the call to genuine repentance. Ironically, that call included an idol many of us overlook: a critical spirit.

Yesiree

For a critical spirit is about constantly imposing our judgement on others, solicited or not. Such an imposition on others suggests that we are the final authority, not God, and the buck stops with us. We thus venerate ourselves as demi-gods in our hearts and invite others to see us in like manner. As king, J would be versed in judgements, he understood a critical spirit.

What is most striking for me in the king’s transformation was his willingness to reach out to his people. Although their histories are vastly different, His action reminds me of Jesus, our King of Kings! No, Jesus didn’t suffer from a critical spirit in the least, but seeing the fate of His subjects, Jesus came to earth, and from His vast knowledge of Heaven (the eternal kingdom) shared the ways of God.

When convicted of our sins, will we be willing to share with others the good news of redemption in Jesus Christ? Having experienced His grace, will we wisely extend the same to others?

Selah

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May all we seek be found in Christ