1 Kings 22:41-50 – Be consistent, start well, and finish strong

First Kings 22:41-50 take us back to the Kingdom of Judah. Here in these verses, we are given a glimpse into the life and reign of Jehoshaphat who succeeded Asa, his father at age 35. His mother, not as well-known as his father, was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi. Verse 41 said that he ascended the throne during the fourth year of Ahab’s reign in Israel and ruled Judah for 25 years.

The positive side of him was that he emulated his father Asa by living a life that was consistent like his father. He walked in his ways and did what was right in the sight of the LORD. However, there were two areas he could have done better. Firstly, he failed to remove the high places and shrines that were dedicated to Baal. As a result, the people continued to sacrifice in those high places and burnt incense there. Secondly, he was not wise to ally himself with Israel, first with Ahab then with his son Ahaziah.

However, we are told in 2 Chronicles 17 that he did take positive steps to reform Judah. He sent priests, Levites, and officials to teach the people the law of God. He also fortified the country with a strong army so that other nations would seek their friendship and take them seriously. Second Chronicles 19 described how he instituted and established a good judicial system in Judah. And in 2 Chronicles 20, we saw how he rallied the nation to a time of national fast, and with God’s help defeated a coalition of enemies (comprising Moabites, Ammonites, and a group of ancient people, who resided around the south of Judah known as the Meunites). First Kings 22:46 had this to say of him, “The remnant of the sodomites who remained in the days of his father Asa, he expelled from the land.” Verse 49 recorded for us one last wise thing that he did. He finally refused to continue his collaboration with wicked Ahaziah, the king of Israel.

We are told that Jehoshaphat’s other deeds were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah. When he died, he was buried with his fathers in the city of David and was succeeded by his son, Jehoram. By and large, Jehoshaphat was deemed to be a good and godly king. However, he did make some errors of judgment. One lesson from his life that we must have a firm grasp on is consistency. We must start our journey well but be very sure to end strong. To do that we need to be watchful throughout our journey, pausing regularly to evaluate and to make adjustments and realign with God. Aim to be like Paul, fight the good fight of faith, finish the course, and keep faith with God. Ending well is vital to our eternal destiny!