Read the passage: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 (ESV, Bible Gateway)
In this session we are going to consider the prayer of Jehoshaphat, but also the theme of leadership which runs throughout this episode in the life of God’s people.
Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
- How would you describe the situation Jehoshaphat and the people face?
- In seemingly hopeless situations, what options are open to us?
- Which way do you naturally tilt?
- In seemingly hopeless situations, what options are open to us?
- What marks Jehoshaphat’s response?
- When you feel overwhelmed by a situation, do you have any strategies for moving from fear to faith?
- What examples of leadership do you see in the passage as a whole?
- What’s interesting about this?
- Can you think of other examples in the Bible of diversity of leadership skills or callings working together?
- What are the drawbacks of having a plurality of leaders? What are the positives and safeguards it provides?
- Why does leadership matter? (In good and bad times)
- What are essential elements of good leaders?
- How would you describe Jehoshaphat’s prayer?
- How is it structured?
- Why might this be a good structure for our own prayers in difficult situations?
- Jehoshaphat remembers the covenant. How does the new covenant in Christ form the basis for our own confidence in prayer?
- Read Romans 12:17-21. How does this compare with Jehoshaphat’s request in v12?
Back in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17: What are the key elements of God’s encouragement to the people through Jahaziel?- Can we legitimately pray for God’s judgment to fall on others?
- How does this foreshadow the gospel?
Recap & Reflect
- Remember Jehoshaphat’s response to the hopeless situation: facing reality – > prayer – > faith, and the structure of his prayer. Think of situations in your own life where you can attempt to practice this order. Consider using it as your basis for your prayers at the end of this session.
- What does this passage teach us about leadership? Consider areas of leadership in which you stand – in light of today’s passage, are there things you need to change in how you live out your position?
Leader’s notes
The notes are here to help you lead a group and answer tough questions. The idea isn’t to read the “right” answer out after each question, but rather to give you support or the helpful nudge in guiding your discussion in the right direction. Feel free to use them as best suits your group.
- How would you describe the situation Jehoshaphat and the people face?
humanly hopeless- In seemingly hopeless situations, what options are open to us?
Head in the sand/denial, anxiety/fear, despair, resignation/give up, fight/nothing to lose mentality, trust
- In seemingly hopeless situations, what options are open to us?
- What marks Jehoshaphat’s response?
Reality – he sees it for being as bad as it is, and puts it to God in that way. His fear is clear, but closely followed by prayer. His fear does not descend into despair but rises in faith. - What examples of leadership do you see in the passage as a whole?
v3-4 Jehoshaphat gathers the people to prayer; v14-15 Jahaziel – a Levite – is open to the Spirit, to be his mouthpiece, and as a result encourages the people; v18 Jehoshaphat sets the example of response and worship; v19 the Levites worship; v20 Jehoshaphat urges faith; v21 he also seems to take advice – v21; he organises the people.- What’s interesting about this?
It’s not just one person;- there’s a plurality of leaders; it’s dynamic – open to the Spirit and to each other; the king sets the tone and is the example in faith and worship. - Can you think of other examples in the Bible of diversity of leadership skills or callings working together?
The Trinity – unity in diversity; Moses and the 70 elders; Prophet/priest/king in Israel; David and his counsellors; Apostles – plural, not just one; apostles and deacons; Paul and Barnabas; Paul and his team; plurality of elders in local churches. - What are essential elements of good leaders?
Character/virtue; humility/service; vision; care; faith/belief
- What’s interesting about this?
- How would you describe Jehoshaphat’s prayer?
- How is it structured?
He first reminds God of his covenant relationship with Israel: he uses his covenant name and calls him ‘God of our fathers’; He establishes God’s greatness and omnipotence; He reminds God of their history and the gift of the land – of his previous actions; He reminds God of the promises concerning the temple – prayer of Solomon; He appeals to justice – v10-11; He makes it clear where their trust lies – v12
- How is it structured?
- Read Romans 12:17-21. How does this compare with Jehoshaphat’s request in v12?
Back in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17: What are the key elements of God’s encouragement to the people through Jahaziel?
Jehoshaphat is asking God to exercise judgement and vengeance against the enemies. Paul says rather than take our own vengeance we should leave it to God. It is only knowing that God is a God of vengeance that can break the cycle of violence or ‘getting our own back’. Fear not; this is God’s battle; act; stand firm; see God’s salvation.- Can we legitimately pray for God’s judgment to fall on others?
We can certainly pray for God’s justice to be done. As we do, we must be open to learning what is driving our desire for justice – is it love for God, justice, truth, others and the one who has hurt us, or is it an undue love for our reputation, or comfort, or political position? - How does this foreshadow the gospel?
We do not save ourselves, and never can, but God can and does. Our response, like here, is trust and worship.
- Can we legitimately pray for God’s judgment to fall on others?
Download the complete study: Bible study on Prayer (PDF)