makingitreal

Sabbath they are not alone. What are some other CORNERSTONECONNECTIONS he What Do You Think? exercise invites passages that you can use in your note of MARCHMARCH26262016 T you to take a side and explain your encouragement? Use a concordance and look response. Jesus said, “Enter through the nar- up the word “alone” to begin your search for As a young person in the church, which pas- row gate. For wide is the gate and broad is those additional verses. sage is the most helpful to you? If you were to the road that leads to destruction, and many choose one passage to apply to your life this life sentence enter through it” (Matthew 7:13, NIV). Do you week, which one would you choose? Why? think this saying is difficult to explain or easy to explain? Why? Scripture Story: 1 Kings 22; –21. List a few examples of what the easy road looks Commentary: Prophets and Kings (or Royalty in Ruins), like in your everyday life as well as what the Why do you think God spoke to in a chapter 15. narrow way looks like. gentle whisper rather than through a powerful earthquake? What does this tell us about how Thursday Easy Road: ______we seek to hear God in our own life? n what area of your life do you need to make PREPARING TO TEACH will be as they study the story of a great king of Israel. ______I a decisive stand for God? Write out your ______commitment below: I. SYNOPSIS II. TARGET

Narrow Road: ______cornerstone connections This lesson focuses on the story of ’s The students will: ______reign, a king who sought to do what was right in God’s •  Survey the key stories of a great king’s life. eyes. During Jehoshaphat’s 25-year reign he contin- (Know) Sunday Tuesday ued to lead God’s people faithfully in the way his father, •  Wrestle with the tension between strengths and ead the Into the Story verses about Elijah’s s you read the Flashlight quote from Asa, led. Jehoshaphat took over the throne during a weaknesses, success and failure. (Feel) R struggle and answer the questions listed A Prophets and Kings, notice the simple Friday time of war so his reformation began with reforming • Choose to live an uncompromising life. in the Out of the Story section. How would you reminder that when you think very few are even ake time this week to listen for God to the military and fortifying the borders. He also started a (Respond) explain Elijah’s state of mind? What are some paying attention to God, many have given their T speak to you. It may be that He speaks in religious reformation and stood firm against the idolatry other stories in Scripture that portray similar undying allegiance to Him around the world. thunderous ways, but more likely you will hear that seemed to hamstring God’s people in every gen- III. EXPLORE themes as the one in this week’s lesson? How might this encouragement inspire you and His voice in the silence. Journal below what eration. Jehoshaphat started a traveling school headed • Spiritual disciplines cornerstone connections your church to renewed faithfulness? you have “heard” Him impress on your heart up by 16 well-trained teachers who taught the law of • Learning from failure/mistakes 52 this week. God from place to place (2 Chronicles­ 17:7-9). The You will find material to help you explore these and result of his leadership was internal peace and security other topics with your students at www.cornerstone (2 Chronicles 17:12; 20:30). connections.net. If Jehoshaphat had a weakness, it was connected In what area of your life might you look “pecu- to his struggle for diplomacy. He made a habit of form- TEACHING liar” to those around you if you were to obey God fully? The next time you hear numbers of people Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International ing alliances with people less devoted to God than he Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. baptized or added to the church, remember was. First, with , then with Ahab’s son, Ahaziah, I. GETTING STARTED Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. the many who are not counted or even known. and finally with Ahab’s other son Jehoram. In his zeal to do the right thing he sometimes misjudged the evil Activity Wednesday intents of others, and God firmly corrected this ten- Refer the students to the What Do You Think? Monday ead through the Punch Lines carefully and dency over the years (1 Kings 22:44; :1). section of their lesson. After they have completed it, he Key Text for this week combines Eli- R underline or highlight the key phrases in Most of what people remember about the kings of Israel discuss their responses. jah’s despair and God’s encouragement. each verse. How do these verses relate to the T this week’s reading* are often summed up in a sentence. The Life Sentence Invite the students to share and explain their first As you read the passage in 1 Kings 19:14, story of Elijah’s struggle? that captures Jehoshaphat’s time on earth states: “In choice and the item they chose last in the ranking 15, 18, think of someone you know who feels Prophets and Kings (or Royalty everything he followed the ways of his father Asa and exercise. Ask what elements they would add to this list alone because of their faith in God. Take time in Ruins), chapter 14. did not stray from them; he did what was right in the to make it more comprehensive. today to pray for them and perhaps write a *Royalty in Ruins is a special adaptation of Prophets and Kings, eyes of the Lord” (1 Kings 22:43, NIV). History catego- note or convey the message to them that created for you by the Ellen G. White Estate and Pacific Press. Get more information about it at www.cornerstoneconnections. rizes the kings of Israel into two groups, good and bad. net/article/191/about-us/conflict-of-the-ages-companion-books#. Illustration URlhF1rBO9s. By following the weekly reading plan, you will read Invite the students to consider what their life sentence Share this illustration in your own words: at least one book of the Conflict of the Ages Series each year. www.cornerstoneconnections.net www.cornerstoneconnections.net 107 Timothy is a successful businessman who always students, use the following in your own words to pro- leaves the table a little bit hungry. He can afford to cess it with them. eat to the full, but an unexpected epiphany made •  What do you think is the key verse in this such an impact on him that he was never the same. week’s story? Walking home late in the evening from work, he hap- •  What are the leadership qualities you see in pened upon a man sitting on his sidewalk rummag- Jehoshaphat that are most noble? ing through a pile of garbage. The beggar scraped •  What might be one of Jehoshaphat’s weak- off maggots from rotten pieces of food and shoved nesses as a leader? the pieces of garbage in his mouth with dirty hands. •  How do you think his name, the Lord judges, Timothy, shocked by the desperation of that man, fits Jehoshaphat as a king? vowed never to take food for granted. Timothy is not •  Jehoshaphat faced an army that far outnum- perfect, but he started a soup kitchen in his commu- bered him, but he trusted the Lord. What nity and volunteers regularly to inspire others to con- stance does God want us to take when we face tribute. Some people are driven by personal expe- challenges beyond our ability? riences that deeply affect them. Examine any great leader for the events and stories that make them so Sharing Context and Background passionate. They are often stories that clearly mark Use the following information to shed more light on what is right and what is wrong, what is good and the story for your students. Share it in your own words. what is bad. 1. Jehoshaphat made his share of mis- Consider one moment in Jehoshaphat’s experi- takes, but the overriding theme of his life ence that made an indelible impact on him as a leader. is summed up as being devoted to God When his enemy in battle, the king of , saw that and His commands. His story includes at he was losing the battle, he took his firstborn son, who least four full chapters in 2 Chronicles, so would have become the next king, to the top of the covering his life might be time-consuming. city wall and offered him as a sacrifice as a last ditch One way to maximize time and get the entire attempt for victory (2 Kings 3:26, 27, NIV). Witnessing class involved would be to use a teaching such an act must have made an everlasting impres- strategy known as “jigsaw.” Divide your stu- sion on Jehoshaphat’s mind. Such immorality, he dents into groups and give one or more of the decided, could be met only with passionate, deliberate “snapshots” below to each group. Have each

cornerstone connections obedience to God’s word. group read and then discuss together what they learn from their passage or passages. II. TEACHING THE STORY Then let each group report to everyone, or form other groups made up of at least one Bridge to the Story person from each of the original groups. Each Share the following in your own words: person can explain to their new group what they Do you ever wonder what is at the heart of learned in their original group. This way, every- great heroes of faith? What makes them brave? one will get to “see” all the “snapshots” as well Passionate? Wise? Committed? Some of the good as to participate. things Jehoshaphat did may have come from a keen 2 Chronicles 17:1-6 General summary experience of right, but perhaps many of his deci- 2 Chronicles 17:7-10 Te achers are sent out to sions were the result of knowing what was wrong. As instruct the people about God you survey the life of Jehoshaphat, you may notice a 2 Chronicles 17:11-19 Wealth and security moment of weakness or a chink in the armor of his 2 Chronicles 18:1-34 Debacle with Ahab against character. But the overwhelming impact of his leader- Ramoth Gilead ship was good, right, and true. Check out this story, 2 Chronicles 19:1-2 ’s rebuke and affirmation but also scan through the various events of his reign 2 Chronicles 19:4-11 Judges organized for civil and note the depth of his devotion to God. order :16-29 Battle victory won through Out of the Story for Teachers singing After you read the Into the Story section with your 108 www.cornerstoneconnections.net ✁ 2. This week’s story highlights Jehoshaphat’s leadership and his unwavering dependence Tips for Top-notch Teaching on God. Notice the first step the faithful king

takes is: “Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of Less Is More RABBI 101 the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3, NIV). What does One teaching strategy that really stirs up the the word “resolve” mean? To set your mind brain is the activity of synthesis—the work of with unshakable focus. Another aspect of blending and unifying many ideas into one new Jehoshaphat’s leadership is the way the people thought. One way to get students to synthesize rallied around his example. Some have said, is to challenge them by limiting the amount of “If you want to know if you are a leader, see if words they can use or by keeping their state- anyone is following.” The Bible says: “Judah ments to one sentence. For example, “If you came together to seek help from the Lord; had to sum up your life story in one sentence, indeed, they came from every town in Judah to how would you characterize your life?” This seek him” (2 Chronicles 20:4, NIV). activity calls for students to distill vast amounts Jehoshaphat is also a great leader because of information into one meaningful statement. It of his humility. The king admits to God, “We often helps to give them time to write out their have no power to face this vast army that is “life sentence” and share it with others. attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV). cornerstone connections And finally, Jehoshaphat acts on his convic- follow the same path as his father and grandfa- tions and “appointed men to sing to the Lord” ther (:12, 13). (2 Chronicles 20:21, NIV). This is just another war God wins by singing! As a result, the ene- III. CLOSING mies, in their confusion, “destroy one another” (2 Chronicles 20:23, NIV). The victory is one of Activity many moments in Scripture where God inter- Invite each student to respond to the following venes when human efforts could not prevail, and question: God’s involvement and glory are unmistakable. If you were to become a leader of a country and 3. Unfortunately, the faithful heritage of Asa and you had to enforce five main rules, what would those Jehoshaphat was only a brief season of bright- rules say? Debrief by allowing the students to share ness for God’s people. Jehoram chose not to their list of five rules. Jehoshaphat’s life had many ups

Teaching From . . .

Refer your students to the other sections of their lesson.

• Other Eyes • Punch Lines Ask them how the quotes in Other Eyes con- Point out to your students the verses listed vey the point of the story in this lesson. in their lesson that relate to this week’s story. • Flashlight Have them read the passages and ask each one Read the Flashlight statement, pointing out to choose the verse that speaks most direct- that most of the time it is from the commen- ly to them today. Then ask them to explain tary on this week’s story found in the book why they chose the one they did. Prophets and Kings. Ask what relationship Or you might assign the passages to pairs they see between the statement and what they of students to read aloud and then discuss, in have just discussed from Out of the Story. order to choose the most relevant one to them.

www.cornerstoneconnections.net 109 real.solid.stories

and downs, but ultimately, the faithful king lived by a new efforts to better life for Israel. His humility and few basic principles/rules that he never compromised. courage form a brief statement of truth: “In everything What were they? he followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of Summary the Lord” (1 Kings 22:43, NIV). So, what are the non- CORNERSTONECONNECTIONS Share the following thoughts in your own words: negotiable principles by which you will choose to live MARCHMARCH26262016 Everyone has the chance to live in such a way your life? About which values will you say today, “I will that they can one day earn a positive “life sentence.” not compromise”? Take a moment to reflect and pray What is so impressive about Jehoshaphat is the way about your devotion to God. he remained devoted to God, even when his failures and mistakes were evident to all. And when things Scripture Story: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 17–21. were going well, he continued to innovate and create Commentary: Prophets and Kings (or Royalty in Ruins), chapter 15. life sentence cornerstone connections cornerstone connections 53

keytext

Photo by Coleen Cahill keytext “In“After everything she had givenhe followed him a drink, the flashlight waysshe said, of his ‘I’ll father draw Asa water and fordid your not straycamels from too, them; until he they did whathave wasfin- “If the teachings of God’s Word were made the controlling influence in the life of every rightished in drinking’” the eyes of the Lord. The man and woman, if mind and heart were brought under its restraining power, the evils Remind the students about the reading plan, which will take them through the high places, however, were not inspired commentary of the Bible, the Conflict of the Ages Series. The reading that that now exist in national and in social life would find no place” (Prophets and Kings, (Genesis 24:19, NIV). goes with this lesson is Prophets and Kings (or Royalty in chapter 15. removed, and the people contin- Ruins), p. 192). ued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.”

(1 Kings 22:43, NIV) 110 www.cornerstoneconnections.net www.cornerstoneconnections.net real.solid.stories

CORNERSTONECONNECTIONS MARCHMARCH26262016

Scripture Story: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 17–21. Commentary: Prophets and Kings (or Royalty in Ruins), chapter 15. life sentence cornerstone connections

53

keytext

Photo by Coleen Cahill keytext “In“After everything she had givenhe followed him a drink, the flashlight waysshe said, of his ‘I’ll father draw Asa water and fordid your not straycamels from too, them; until he they did whathave wasfin- “If the teachings of God’s Word were made the controlling influence in the life of every rightished in drinking’” the eyes of the Lord. The man and woman, if mind and heart were brought under its restraining power, the evils high places, however, were not that now exist in national and in social life would find no place” (Prophets and Kings, (Genesis 24:19, NIV). removed, and the people contin- p. 192). ued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.”

(1 Kings 22:43, NIV) 111 www.cornerstoneconnections.net nations. Power and might are in your OUT punch lines hand, and no one can with- “Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are stand you. Our God, did you not OF THE my God” (Psalm 86:2, NIV). what drive out the inhabitants of this land do you think? before your people Israel and give it STORY “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love sur- Which do you think are characteristics of God’s inspired forever to the descendants of Abraham rounds the one who trusts in him” (Psalm 32:10, NIV). leadership? Rank the following according to how crucial they are your friend? They have lived in it and for good government—mark (1) for most crucial and (6) for have built in it a sanctuary for your In verse 1 of 2 Chronicles 20 the Bible sets the stage “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you least crucial. Name, saying, “If calamity comes upon for this week’s story of Jehoshaphat with “After this how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now ___ Civil peace and security us, whether the sword of judgment, or . . .” Survey the following snapshots of his reign and note the we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more ___ Spiritual teaching and wisdom INTO plague or famine, we will stand in your various aspects of Jehoshaphat’s leadership. and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1, NIV). ___ Military strength and protection presence before this temple that bears 2 Chronicles 17:1-6 General summary “You must distinguish between what is sacred ___ Charismatic leadership your Name and will cry out to you in 2 Chronicles 17:7-10 Jehoshaphat sends out teachers to THE and what is common, between what is ceremonially ___ Clear sense of right and wrong our distress, and you will hear us and instruct the people about God unclean and what is clean. And you must teach ___ Abundance of wealth save us.’ 2 Chronicles 17:11-19 Wealth and security STORY the Israelites all the decrees that the Lord has Explain your reasons for ranking these the way 2 Chronicles 18:1-34 Debacle with Ahab against Ramoth Gilead given them through ” (Leviticus 10:10, you did. “‘But now here are men from , 2 Chronicles 19:1-2 Jehu’s rebuke and affirmation 11, NLT). “After this, the Moabites and Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory 2 Chronicles 19:4-11 Organized judges for civil order Ammonites with some of the you would not allow Israel to invade 2 Chronicles 20:16-29 Battle victory through singing “And you will find happiness by worshiping cornerstone connections Meunites came to wage war on when they came from Egypt; so they him. God will answer your prayers, and you Jehoshaphat. Some people came turned away from them and did not What do you think is the key verse in this week’s story? will keep the promises you made to him” and told Jehoshaphat, destroy them. See how they are repay- (Job 22:26, 27, CEV). ing us by coming to drive us out of “‘A vast army is coming against the possession you gave us as an you from , from the other side inheritance. Our God, will you not judge of the . It is already in them? For we have no power to face Hazezon Tamar’ (that is, En Gedi). this vast army that is attacking us. We What other people in Scripture does Jehoshaphat remind you of? Why? Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to do not know what to do, but our eyes inquire of the Lord, and he pro- are on you.’ other claimed a fast for all Judah. The did you people of Judah came together to “All the men of Judah, with their wives cornerstone connections seek help from the Lord; indeed, and children and little ones, stood there eyes 54 know? they came from every town in before the Lord. What leadership qualities do you see in Jehoshaphat that are most noble? 55 t is believed by some current Judah to seek him. Christian leaders that members of Gen- “Then the Spirit of the Lord came on “We judge ourselves by eration X (those born between 1962 and “Then Jehoshaphat stood up Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of what we feel capable of 1981) don’t seem in a hurry to step up to in the assembly of Judah and Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of the plate to lead. at the temple of Mattaniah, a and descendant of doing, while others judge us However, members of this generation say the Lord in the front of the Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. What might be one of Jehoshaphat’s weaknesses as a leader? by what we already have that this is not true. Leadership is new courtyard and said: He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and —Longfellow, 19th-century U.S. poet. “dressed in different clothes,” ‘Lord, the God of our all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! done.” states a 37-year-old Christian ancestors, are you This is what the Lord says to you: “Do leader. “It’s less about person- not the God who is not be afraid or discouraged because “The man who makes no mistakes ality and position and authority. in heaven? You of this vast army. For the battle is not Instead it’s more relational. It’s rule over all yours, but God’s.”’” does not usually make anything.”—Wil- the king- more vulnerable. It’s more about liam Connor Magee, 19th-century Irish clergyman. helping people take doms of (2 Chronicles 20:1-15, NIV) their next steps in a jour- the ney” (“Looking for Leaders,” “Leadership in the local church should be Today, Spring 2006). determined by spirituality, not notoriety.”—Tony Evans, American preacher.

112 nations. Power and might are in your OUT punch lines hand, and no one can with- “Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are stand you. Our God, did you not OF THE my God” (Psalm 86:2, NIV). what drive out the inhabitants of this land do you think? before your people Israel and give it STORY “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love sur- Which do you think are characteristics of God’s inspired forever to the descendants of Abraham rounds the one who trusts in him” (Psalm 32:10, NIV). leadership? Rank the following according to how crucial they are your friend? They have lived in it and for good government—mark (1) for most crucial and (6) for have built in it a sanctuary for your In verse 1 of 2 Chronicles 20 the Bible sets the stage “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you least crucial. Name, saying, “If calamity comes upon for this week’s story of Jehoshaphat with “After this how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now ___ Civil peace and security us, whether the sword of judgment, or . . .” Survey the following snapshots of his reign and note the we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more ___ Spiritual teaching and wisdom INTO plague or famine, we will stand in your various aspects of Jehoshaphat’s leadership. and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1, NIV). ___ Military strength and protection presence before this temple that bears 2 Chronicles 17:1-6 General summary “You must distinguish between what is sacred ___ Charismatic leadership your Name and will cry out to you in 2 Chronicles 17:7-10 Jehoshaphat sends out teachers to THE and what is common, between what is ceremonially ___ Clear sense of right and wrong our distress, and you will hear us and instruct the people about God unclean and what is clean. And you must teach ___ Abundance of wealth save us.’ 2 Chronicles 17:11-19 Wealth and security STORY the Israelites all the decrees that the Lord has Explain your reasons for ranking these the way 2 Chronicles 18:1-34 Debacle with Ahab against Ramoth Gilead given them through Moses” (Leviticus 10:10, you did. “‘But now here are men from Ammon, 2 Chronicles 19:1-2 Jehu’s rebuke and affirmation 11, NLT). “After this, the Moabites and Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory 2 Chronicles 19:4-11 Organized judges for civil order Ammonites with some of the you would not allow Israel to invade 2 Chronicles 20:16-29 Battle victory through singing “And you will find happiness by worshiping cornerstone connections Meunites came to wage war on when they came from Egypt; so they him. God will answer your prayers, and you Jehoshaphat. Some people came turned away from them and did not What do you think is the key verse in this week’s story? will keep the promises you made to him” and told Jehoshaphat, destroy them. See how they are repay- (Job 22:26, 27, CEV). ing us by coming to drive us out of “‘A vast army is coming against the possession you gave us as an you from Edom, from the other side inheritance. Our God, will you not judge of the Dead Sea. It is already in them? For we have no power to face Hazezon Tamar’ (that is, En Gedi). this vast army that is attacking us. We What other people in Scripture does Jehoshaphat remind you of? Why? Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to do not know what to do, but our eyes inquire of the Lord, and he pro- are on you.’ other claimed a fast for all Judah. The did you people of Judah came together to “All the men of Judah, with their wives cornerstone connections seek help from the Lord; indeed, and children and little ones, stood there eyes 54 know? they came from every town in before the Lord. What leadership qualities do you see in Jehoshaphat that are most noble? 55 t is believed by some current Judah to seek him. Christian leaders that members of Gen- “Then the Spirit of the Lord came on “We judge ourselves by eration X (those born between 1962 and “Then Jehoshaphat stood up Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of what we feel capable of 1981) don’t seem in a hurry to step up to in the assembly of Judah and Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of the plate to lead. Jerusalem at the temple of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of doing, while others judge us However, members of this generation say the Lord in the front of the Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. What might be one of Jehoshaphat’s weaknesses as a leader? by what we already have that this is not true. Leadership is new courtyard and said: He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and —Longfellow, 19th-century U.S. poet. “dressed in different clothes,” ‘Lord, the God of our all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! done.” states a 37-year-old Christian ancestors, are you This is what the Lord says to you: “Do leader. “It’s less about person- not the God who is not be afraid or discouraged because “The man who makes no mistakes ality and position and authority. in heaven? You of this vast army. For the battle is not Instead it’s more relational. It’s rule over all yours, but God’s.”’” does not usually make anything.”—Wil- the king- more vulnerable. It’s more about liam Connor Magee, 19th-century Irish clergyman. helping people take doms of (2 Chronicles 20:1-15, NIV) their next steps in a jour- the ney” (“Looking for Leaders,” “Leadership in the local church should be Christianity Today, Spring 2006). determined by spirituality, not notoriety.”—Tony Evans, American preacher.

113 makingitreal

Sabbath Tuesday thing” today. It will also be helpful for you he ranking exercise in the What Do You hile there are many things that influence to share this with a supporting friend or two, T Think? section of this lesson challenges W your outlook and your behavior, there which will strengthen your resolve to imple- you to identify the leadership qualities you think are a few basic ideas that influence most of ment it. (Go to www.cornerstoneconnections. are most important as well as least important. your decisions. Read the quote from Prophets net to find resources for choosing a support/ We often think leaders always have a clear and Kings about the controlling influences in accountability partner.) sense of what to do in times of crisis; but read your life. To what degree do you think the evil 1. ______2 Chronicles 20:12 and note what Jehoshaphat in the world would diminish if people allowed ______said to God as the enemies of Israel were God’s will to become the “controlling influence” approaching. How would you describe this act in their lives? What laws or principles of God’s 2. ______as an attribute of a good leader? way of life would make the most significant ______change for the better? 3. ______Friday Sunday ake time to reflect on Jehoshaphat’s he Into the Story section contains a portion Wednesday T storied journey of devotion, mistakes, and T of a battle that demonstrates the God-in- ead the Punch Lines listed in this week’s uncompromising faithfulness to God’s plan for spired leadership of Jehoshaphat. Answer the R lesson and identify the verse that speaks Israel. His story holds up a high standard of questions in the Out of the Story section, to you the most. In what way is this passage loyalty to God and courageous leadership for including the snapshots of Jehoshaphat’s most relevant to your life today? Israel. But his life has mistakes and moments reign. How would you compare Jehoshaphat’s that exposed his flaws as well. Ruminate on leadership style with other leaders in the Bible? how we can be great leaders and people of According to John 20:30, 31 and 2 Timothy influence for God even though we are not 3:16, 17, all stories of Scripture have the power always perfect. Write down a few thoughts you to speak to us today. As you learn more about Think of a friend or someone you know that have on the tension between greatness and this great king, what message do you think God has the ability to influence others but does making mistakes, as it appears in your life. has for you in this passage? not often seize those moments for good. Say (You can use the Notes pages in the back of cornerstone connections a prayer today for that person and pray for your study guide.) 56 an opportunity to encourage their leadership potential. Sometimes a little positive encour- Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International agement can awaken a more earnest desire to Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Monday make a positive impact on the world around us. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. he Key Text for this week comes from Sometimes affirming words can remind people Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy T 1 Kings 22:43 in which King Jehosha- of previous commitments they had made that Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, phat’s great qualities are summed up in one need to be renewed. 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of sentence; in the following sentence the Bible Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. admits a shortcoming that also marked his life. Thursday Read this passage in a few different transla- t may be that the great things that are Scripture quotations identified CEV are from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © American Bible Society 1991, tions, if available, and think about what close I ultimately remembered about your life are 1995. Used by permission. friends might say about you, in a sentence. In built on the practical things you do from day the space given below, write a sentence about to day. Make a list of three “great” things you the life of someone you admire: want to do today that will have eternal signif- this week’s reading* icance. Perhaps it is an act of generosity or a secret deed of kindness. Maybe you could Prophets and Kings (or Royalty extend grace for those who are struggling or in Ruins), chapter 15. forgiveness for someone who has wronged *Royalty in Ruins is a special adaptation of Prophets and Kings, created for you by the Ellen G. White Estate and Pacific Press. you. Make your list specific enough so that Get more information about it at www.cornerstoneconnections. you can know that you have done a “great net/article/191/about-us/conflict-of-the-ages-companion-books#. URlhF1rBO9s. By following the weekly reading plan, you will read at least one book of the Conflict of the Ages Series each year. 114 www.cornerstoneconnections.net