I want MORE

And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. 2 Chronicles 19:6

Have you ever thought of the word MORE? We use MORE to reflect a greater quantity or an increase in number as reflected in things, places, and persons. When King Jehoshaphat joined forces with King Ahab, he realized that MORE could lead to an unexpected situation. Indeed, Jehoshaphat was aware of the wickedness of Ahab, one of Israel's worst kings. Yet, Ahab convinced Jehoshaphat to help him attack Syria. Jehoshaphat wisely requests that they consult the LORD on the matter. So, Ahab gathers 400 of his prophets who encourage the attack. But Jehoshaphat asked again, is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of? (2 Chronicles 18:6) In response, King Ahab summoned Prophet Micaiah, who stated, I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, these people have no master (2 Chronicles 18:16). However, King Jehoshaphat still joined Ahab in battle forgetting this warning sign from God’s prophet.

Previously King Jehoshaphat had fortified the cities in the north against any attack from rulers north of Judah. Still, he decided to attack Ramoth-Gilead of Syria with King Ahab of Israel. Why? The only rationale that I can consider is MORE. Isn't it common for us to wish for MORE stuff like money, clothes, fame, or even MORE responsibilities? Then, we find ourselves in situations that we regret. Like King Ahab, King Jehoshaphat realized that MORE nearly lost his life on the battlefield and kindled God’s wrath.

In response to such a near-death experience, King Jehoshaphat returned to his primary reform plan of teaching the people of Judah about God that he had earlier initiated rather than fighting for MORE territories. He instituted the first Supreme Court by delegating authority to priests and community elders who judged individuals locally and/or appealed to the leadership in Jerusalem who operated a quasi-Supreme Court. His guidance entailed Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment (2 Chronicles 19:6). Therefore, King Jehoshaphat’s guidance reminds us of divine accountability. In other words, our work ethic and moral standards coexist in a heavenly perspective instead of a mindset of I want MORE. Throughout our lives, God holds us accountable for every aspect of our actions. So, the next time you consider MORE of this or MORE of that, take a moment to think about what is just as it pertains to God's purpose for your life.