“Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and by marriage he allied himself with Ahab. After some years he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria; and Ahab killed sheep and oxen in abundance for him and the people who were with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilaed. So Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?” And he answered, “I am as you are, and my people as your people, we will be with you in the war.” Also Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.” 2 Chronicles 18:1-4 NIV
Jehoshaphat listened to the wrong voices, even though he knew which one was right and true. He let his popularity and power guide his decisions. He aligned himself with a wicked king. Who am I walking with? Will it strengthen my faith or weaken it? Will I let friends influence me or will I influence them? A coffee date with a friend today is foremost in my thoughts. I am grateful for her strong faith. She keeps me grounded when I am tempted to get off track. She tells me not to hold back, but to speak the truth in love.
“But Jehoshaphat said , “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?” So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. He is Micaiah the son of Imla.” 2 Chronicles 18:6-7 NIV
Jehoshaphat still doesn’t listen to the Lord. Until he is put in a situation where he needs him. Oh, how this can be true for me as well.
“So it was, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they surrounded him to attack; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him, and God diverted them from him. For so it was, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.” 2 Chronicles 18:31&32 NIV
God listened and answered his prayer. He didn’t condemn him for making the wrong choice. He showed him mercy when he needed him the most. He wants me to come to him with a willing heart. And to know that it’s never to late cry out to him.
“So they said to him, “In Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.” Matthew 2:5&6 NIV
Dear Jesus, thank you that when I pray, you hear me. Give me the courage to do your will, even when it’s not the popular thing to do. Help me to be faithful to you when it’s hard. Thank you for your promise to always be with me. Amen.
And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak.” 2 Chronicles 18:13 NIV
Amy(amyctanner)
Sixty-six books in a year 