2 Chronicles 17-18 Mixing With The World

Jehoshaphat became king and began to clean up the mess his father Asa had left.  “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he lived as his ancestor David had lived when he first became king. “  Because of his obedience, God made Jehoshaphat a strong king.  Jehoshaphat had a strong desire to obey God.  He even sent his officers into the towns of Judah to teach God’s commands to the people.

Unfortunately, Jehoshaphat ignored one set of bells and whistles:  He allowed his son to marry the daughter of Ahab, the evil king of Israel.  During a visit to Israel, he was begged by Ahab to join him in battle against Ramoth Gilead.  Jehoshaphat agreed, but first required that God’s will be sought.

Ahab’s 400 prophets urged them on, but Micaiah warned them of doom.  Despite the warning, Jehoshaphat joined Ahab in battle, and during an attack he called on the Lord and was saved.  Ahab, however, dressed as a common soldier to hide his presence, but a random arrow took his life.

My Bible’s sidebar says that it requires absolutely no effort on our part to become like the world.  We don’t have to study or set goals or even make any plans to become worldly.  All we have to do is get out in the world and live.  If we take no precautions, it will be just a matter of time before we look, act, and think just like the world.  It said, “In every area of life, face up to what God would have you do.  As long as you play games, as long as you ignore what you know in your heart God would have you do, you set yourself up to fail.”

Father, help me not to give in to the world.  I don’t want to simply be a part of it.  You’ve called me to something better.  Guard my mind and my heart, and set off alarm bells when I stray too far from You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford