In recent weeks, we have been focusing on the kings of the northern tribes of Israel. That’s because they were all so bad that their reigns would last short periods of time before the LORD removed them from office. (Remember, one of them lasted only a week!) This entire time, the southern tribes of Judah (and Benjamin), were being let by a good king: Asa. Now, after a good life walking with God, Asa finally goes home to be with the LORD.
Jehoshaphat son of Asa began to rule over Judah in the fourth year of King Ahab's reign in Israel. Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. (1 Kings 22:41-42 NLT)
We saw in the north that bad kings trained their sons to be bad kings. Now, in the south, we are seeing that a good king will train his son to be good. Since they are kings, their decisions not only affect themselves. They affect all the people of the kingdom as well.
Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the example of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel...(1 Kings 22:41-50 NLT)
God really does desire an abundant life for us. Jesus came so we could live life to the fullest (John 10:10). Through these kings (and kingdoms) we see what happens when they listen to God and when they do not. The tribes in the south listen to the LORD more and more. The result? They experience a Garden Walk more and more as well.
How about you? Do you see the picture that God wants for your life? Is it rich and satisfying, abundant, and full? Do you see God’s direction taking you there? Do you see that this life, when walking together with God, can be good?
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