Who Are Your Allies?

So Jehoshaphat ruled over the land of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi. Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors. The rest of the events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in The Record of Jehu Son of Hanani, which is included in The Book of the Kings of Israel. Some time later King Jehoshaphat of Judah made an alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel, who was very wicked. Together they built a fleet of trading ships at the port of Ezion-geber. Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said, “Because you have allied yourself with King Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy your work.” So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea. [2 Chronicles 20.31-37] 

Jehoshaphat went down in history as a good king, however, he still had his problems.

It seems that Jehoshaphat, good as he was, had trouble making alliances with wicked people. It started with Ahab. Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab nearly got him killed in their battle against Ramoth-gilead.

Then, Jehoshaphat nearly died of thirst when he joined forces with King Joram of Israel and the King of Edom.

Jehoshaphat entered a failed business arrangement with King Ahaziah and lost a whole fleet of ships before they ever set sail.

And finally, Jehoshaphat's successor son, Jehoram, killed all his brothers (Jehoshaphat's sons). Jehoram was in an obviously arranged marriage to wicked Ahab's daughter.

So, can a man be devoted to God and mingle with wicked people? Sure! But, it will cost him.

Father, the lesson from Jehoshaphat's life is very clear. I know I can please You and still make life miserable for myself in the alliances I make. Would You help me see what alliances I have made that are causing hardships in my life? May I have Your grace upon me, as I repent and believe, to see what You reveal and respond accordingly. So be it.