2 Chronicles , Sarah Barry
THERE IS GOOD IN YOU
Passage: 2_Chronicles 19:1~11  
Key verse: 7
19 When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, 2 Jehu(A) the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, “Should you help the wicked(B) and love[a] those who hate the Lord?(C) Because of this, the wrath(D) of the Lord is on you. 3 There is, however, some good(E) in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles(F) and have set your heart on seeking God.(G)”
Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges
4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 5 He appointed judges(H) in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. 6 He told them, “Consider carefully what you do,(I) because you are not judging for mere mortals(J) but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 7 Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice(K) or partiality(L) or bribery.”
8 In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites,(M) priests(N) and heads of Israelite families to administer(O) the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9 He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. 10 In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord;(P) otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.
11 “Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the Lord, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be over you in any matter concerning the king, and the Levites will serve as officials before you. Act with courage,(Q) and may the Lord be with those who do well.”
Footnotes
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 Or and make alliances with
Cross references
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 : S 1Ki 16:1
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 : S 2Ch 16:2-9
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 : Ps 139:21-22
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 : 2Ch 24:18; 32:25; Ps 7:11
- 2 Chronicles 19:3 : S 1Ki 14:13
- 2 Chronicles 19:3 : S 2Ch 17:6
- 2 Chronicles 19:3 : S 2Ch 18:1; 20:35; 25:7
- 2 Chronicles 19:5 : S Ge 47:6; S Ex 18:26
- 2 Chronicles 19:6 : S Lev 19:15
- 2 Chronicles 19:6 : Dt 16:18-20; 17:8-13
- 2 Chronicles 19:7 : S Ge 18:25; S Job 8:3
- 2 Chronicles 19:7 : S Ex 18:16; Dt 10:17; Job 13:10; 32:21; 34:19
- 2 Chronicles 19:8 : S 1Ch 23:4
- 2 Chronicles 19:8 : Eze 44:24
- 2 Chronicles 19:8 : 2Ch 17:8-9
- 2 Chronicles 19:10 : Dt 17:8-13
- 2 Chronicles 19:11 : S 1Ch 28:20
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
Jehoshaphat must have been relieved to come back home safely after nearly dying in battle. He was not welcomed very warmly by Jehu the Seer who warned Jehoshaphat of the wrath of God due to an unholy alliance with Israel. Terrible losses often come with additional repercussions that can either break someone's spirit or lead to meaningful change. There was, however, some good in Jehoshaphat. He did not sink in despair or lash out but did the next right thing.
2. Jehoshaphat appoints judges (4-11)
Jehoshaphat saw the importance of governance in the lands and for judges who were not corrupt but feared God. We witness so much injustice and corruption where there should be leaders who build up and strengthen communities, especially the marginalized. This requires faithful service in the fear of the LORD. This also requires great courage to step out of our comfort zones to serve one another with the love of God.
Prayer: Lord, raise up courageous, faithful and wholehearted leaders, that we may see justice and mercy flowing in our communities. May we start by making meaningful change in our hearts first.
One Word: There is good in you.