S) "6 He said to the judges, 'Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment. 7 Now then let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.'"
2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 19
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 19
O) Jehoshaphat was instituting reforms throughout Judah, and wicked judges were a big problem. Particularly, there was an issue with bribery perverting justice. By reminding them that they don't just answer to the king, as serious as that was, they also answer to the LORD their God. Their job was bigger than themselves, and had bigger implications than the individual cases they would hear.
A) Replacing the word "judge" with the word "parent" makes this almost a direct application. In fact, perhaps the only thing that wouldn't translate, would be the taking of a bribe. It's important to remember my stewardship of my kids. When I am parenting, it should be done with a mind toward my own fear of God. I need to parent in light of the grace I have in Jesus Christ, and in light of the grace they need. There is judgment to be administered, disagreements to be settled, etc. All of that, though, should be done in righteousness, both in deed and position. They need to be instructed to behave righteously, and they also need to receive the righteousness that is credited to them, based on their faith. I should be addressing their actions, without neglecting the positional righteousness. All of this must be done with a clean heart within myself, and not from pride, entitlement, or self-righteousness.
A) Replacing the word "judge" with the word "parent" makes this almost a direct application. In fact, perhaps the only thing that wouldn't translate, would be the taking of a bribe. It's important to remember my stewardship of my kids. When I am parenting, it should be done with a mind toward my own fear of God. I need to parent in light of the grace I have in Jesus Christ, and in light of the grace they need. There is judgment to be administered, disagreements to be settled, etc. All of that, though, should be done in righteousness, both in deed and position. They need to be instructed to behave righteously, and they also need to receive the righteousness that is credited to them, based on their faith. I should be addressing their actions, without neglecting the positional righteousness. All of this must be done with a clean heart within myself, and not from pride, entitlement, or self-righteousness.
P) Father, thank You for the grace at work in me. I could never be the kind of parent my kids need, without Your grace at work in my heart. Thank You for crediting me with the righteousness of Jesus. Help me to walk out that righteous living, particularly in the area of my parenting. Help me to balance the discipline toward righteous behavior, with the grace of righteousness received. Let each of my kids find their faith in Jesus Christ, and grow in confidence of the gospel, and their relationships with You. Lead me by the Holy Spirit to judge and parent carefully, in light of my own fear of my God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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