Learning to imitate what other godly people do right is part of spiritual growth. Listen again to what this king does:
“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” 2Chron 20:3 ESV
Notice how Jehoshaphat sets his face, or as the NIV says, he resolved to inquire of the Lord. This is not a passive, “Well, I’ve done everything else so I guess I will pray” mentality. This is a passionate, “Oh my goodness if I don’t turn to God and pray, I am sunk” desperation here. As we said before, this king knows where to go when he is in trouble, but more than that, he is determined not to let anything get in the way of connecting with God and seeking His help. Resolved. That’s such a powerful word! It is a firm commitment based on a deep conviction that nothing, and no one else, could change his course, except for God. He SET his face. He refused to turn one way or the other. He was going to seek and find God, and trust Him alone to save him and the nation from the impending doom.
My Friends, this is the heart we each must have right before we receive Salvation! This king faced a very dangerous situation, but you know what is more dangerous? Eternal death! Again, it is usually fear that brings us to this point, but if we do not take it as serious as Jehoshaphat did here, will we be as resolved to set our face on our Lord? We do not have to jump through hoops to be saved. By God’s Grace, He has already done everything necessary to make it possible. All we have to do now is resolve, to be determined, to commit to surrendering to Jesus as Savior and Lord. When we do this, God will not only save us for all eternity, but He will fight all our enemies along the way too. What a loving and powerful God we have! Thank You, Jesus!!!
Join me in memorizing 52 verses this year:
January: 1- Jn 3:16; 2- 2Co 5:17; 3- Jas 2:26; 4- Eph 2:10
February: 5- Jn 10:10; 6- Ro 6:23; 7- Rev 21:4; 8- Php 4:13
9- 1Pe 5:7
10- Jn 8:32
11- Dt 30:19
12- Jn 3:30
13- 2Chron 20:3
<>< Peace, Diane
