2 Chronicles 20:35
“After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel. He acted wickedly in so doing.”
This is the second time Jehoshaphat allied himself with the king of Israel. The first time it was with Ahab. He was set up by Ahab and nearly killed. God spared him and allowed Ahab to die. A summary of Jehoshaphat’s life was given describing him as a good king following the Lord. Today’s verse is a post script.
The goal was to build ships and team up in their use. This displeased God. Probably not the ships, but teaming up with an evil king. The bible is quite clear that we are to be careful who we associate with. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Another verse is I Corinthians 15:33, ‘Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”‘ A common saying is similar, ” Show me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.”
Choosing good friends is important. It’s not too dramatic to say that it could influence your destiny. As christians, our good friends should be other christians. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Church has several purposes. Being with other believers is part of that.
The Hebrews passage speaks of encouraging one another. When we come together as believers we get encouraged. We are built up. We are challenged by their testimonies. We also are motivated to serve Christ. The prior verse in Hebrews says, “And we should think toward stirring up one another to love and to good works”, (v. 24). That’s huge.
How do we stir one another to love and do good works? When we share our testimonies we motivate one another. It doesn’t mean we brag or boast, but humbly sharing. We discourage others when we brag. It’s made to seem difficult and the teller is a hero. God is to be prominent in our stories. His power makes it possible. He wants us all to do good things.
There is much motivation out there. Not all of it is good and godly. I’ve been distracted by some them. Most of them are wearying and selfish. We learn the times to share and to what extent. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” The word, “fitly” refers to the proper time as well as to what was said. That’s maturity. Like a practiced musician is skilled, so is being a blessing with our words.
We have spent much time on keeping godly company. It’s important. It’s God’s will for us. Today’s passage has Jehoshaphat associating with one whom God was displeased with. He ended up crushing the fruits of the friendship. This wasn’t punishment, but God’s way of taking away the reason for the relationship.
I believe God gives us feedback as to whether He is pleased how we spend our time. He can be pleased, not pleased or neutral. Did Jehoshaphat ignore these warnings? Maybe he wasn’t in tune with this. We should have a sense as to whether God is pleased with us. Do that which pleases God.
Lord, thank You for this story and the warning it gives. Help us to walk in a way that pleases You.