2
Chronicles 17 reminds me that the single greatest tool for changing
individuals and nations is God’s Word. The chapter begins
immediately after Asa, King of Judah passed away. “Jehoshaphat
his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against
Israel. He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah.”
We also read, “The
Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the
ways his father David had followed“.
Some might say, “but what if I did NOT honor God in my early
years?”. I used to believe that people don’t change. But I am
now convinced that there is only one exception to that rule. I have
experienced and witnessed the life-changing power of God’s Word.
God will change our heart through reading His Word and by His Holy
Spirit. The two work together. God’s Holy Spirit prepares
our heart to understand His Word, and by His Spirit, God’s
Word transforms our mind. “And
do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”
(Romans 12:2).
The
chapter continues, “He
did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father and
followed his commands… The Lord established the kingdom under his
control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had
great wealth and honor. His heart was devoted to the ways of the
Lord“.
Notice, he did not just “keep his religion to himself” as we are
urged to do by those that want no standard of righteousness.
“Furthermore,
he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah“.
It is not clear at first, but this was not just a cosmetic change.
The outward changes were the result of the King’s heart for God.
God’s Word changes us from the inside out. Trying to “get right
with God” by cleaning up the outside first is frustrating. Perhaps
Jehoshaphat followed the instruction to kings found in Deuteronomy
17:16? “He
shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book… And it shall
be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he
may learn to fear the Lord his God… that his heart may not be
lifted above his brethren“.
Another
result of reading God’s Word is the desire to share it with others.
“In
the third year of his reign he sent his officials… to teach in the
towns of Judah. With them were certain Levites… and the priests…
They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of
the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the
people“.
The inward change always manifests outward change; “Jehoshaphat
became more and more powerful; he built forts and store cities in
Judah and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept
experienced fighting men in Jerusalem… mighty men of valor…
prepared for war“.
Eventually
those around us notice a change. “The
fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding
Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat“.
Maybe you think it is too late for God to change you. Listen to
Hebrews 4:
12,
“For
the word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart“.
By His Word and By His Spirit He will transform you from the inside
out!