Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-8
Watch out, Jehoshaphat! You’ve just encountered a “slippery slope” in your association with Ahab. The Chronicler hasn’t told us anything about Israel’s King Ahab, but in 1 Kings 16-22 you can read more about King Ahab. In a nutshell, he was married to Jezebel, and her influence was great in persuading Ahab to abandon God and establish Baal worship in Israel. We know how God feels about disloyalty!
So far, at least, the story seems harmless. These kings were, after all, in-laws since two of their children had married. We get a clue that things are not all that they seem when the text says Ahab was “enticing” Jehoshaphat with such an elaborate feast.
Ahab’s motives may have been tainted, and I was especially nervous when Jehoshaphat said, “You and I are as one, and my troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle.” Thankfully, in his next breath, Jehoshaphat got it right when he insisted they see what the LORD had to say about the plan.
Ahab then parades 400 prophets before Jehoshaphat who all side with Ahab. That’s a lot of seers, but Jehoshaphat somehow realizes none has consulted with the LORD. Jehoshaphat boldly requests a prophet of the LORD be consulted. I’m sure Ahab was hoping he wouldn’t have to call upon Micaiah son of Imlah. As you can imagine, Micaiah’s messages from the LORD would never be positive for a king like Ahab who had turned away from the LORD.
There’s a lot we could focus on in this reading, but what strikes me are words from 2 Corinthians 6:14 which say, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” It’s wise counsel to not get involved with non-believers because their motivations, goals, and methods will be so greatly different. Faith changes the character of a believer because of who they trust.
Have you ever been in business with or in an intimate relationship with a non-believer? When you partner with another, you normally share something like a common goal or dream. If you aren’t aligned in your belief system, you are missing the most crucial connection point. Contrast that with your Christian friends and how you relate to each other, and there is no comparison.
I don’t think Paul was telling the Corinthians (and us) not to ever associate with non-believers. How could we fulfill Jesus’ command to us to make disciples if we avoided those different from us? But we do need to be on guard so that we aren’t sucked into their viewpoints. That takes wisdom to be able to maintain the relationship while not flip flopping like a wishy-washy Christian. That does none of us any good.
For this scene, Jehoshaphat is still modeling for us how we can co-exist with non-believers yet still maintain focus on the truth. We’ll see as the story continues how Jehoshaphat responds, what the prophet of the LORD says, and how the story plays out.
For today, think about your relationships and how you are feeding those who may not yet be believers. Are you feeling weak or drawn into the darkness? If so, ask for God’s powerful arm of protection.
Let’s pray. LORD, there are so many voices screaming at us these days. Many times I feel like I am being attacked for just believing in you. When I start to feel weak and unsure of what to say in uncomfortable situations, fill my mouth with words that will glorify and honor you. Give me the courage to say things that may not be popular. May I love like you love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
