“Some time later King Jehoshaphat of Judah made an alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel, who was very wicked.[g] 36 Together they built a fleet of trading ships[h] at the port of Ezion-geber. 37 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.” 2Chr 20 :35-37
If you are like me and you love reading and learning from the books of 1& 2Kings and 1&2 Chronicles you will be naturally and spiritually attracted to many of the kings of Judah because they generally stood as people who love God and were willing to please him. Unlike the kings of the north who because of their evil foundation as pioneered by Jeroboam, were constantly doing evil until God was tired of them and dispersed them to oblivion.
Some of the kings that caught my attention in the southern part of Israel are Asa, his son Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah .
Four lessons from Jehoshaphat:
1. His dependence on God:. On two occasions he went to align with his counterpart in the north and they requested he should go to war with them- he obliged but will ask - “let us ask from God”Maybe he inherited this from David. Do you always seek the mind of God before you take decisions?
2. His strategy for fighting battles: Notice the classic and master strategy he employed in 2Chronicles: 20. The Ammonites, Moabites, Siera, gathered against him. He called for a fast, gathered the choir to praise God and prayed a powerful prayer, the result? God used a peculiar standard to kill his enemies- they killed themselves.
How are you fightings the battles of life? Are you full of worries, anxiety and fear ? Prophet Jahaziel said: “Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s”. Have you learnt to allow God to fight your battles?
3. Ventured to please God: The Bible says: “Even so, there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God.” 2Chr 19: 3.Have you destroyed the “sin” poles in your life? Are you part of the vanguard to destroy sin poles in Canada and beyond? Do you seek God ?
4. The importance of choosing a right partner?: Jehoshaphat failed to use a good business partner and lost all his investment on his shipping business.The Bible says because “he made an alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel, who was very wicked.” 2 Chr 20:35
How do you choose a good business partner?
1. Look for someone that fears God.
2. A Complementary Skill Set.
3. Shared Goals and Values.
4. Easy to Talk To.
5. Trustworthy
6. Knowledge of Your Industry.
7. Experienced.
8. Able to Bring New Business.
9. Financially Stable.
10. Prayerful.
Conclusion: “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 Chr 20:37. Marriage is a ship, business is a ship, ministry is a ship- you don’t want any of your ship to meet with disaster- watch who you enter the ship with! May your marriage, business, relationship and ministry never know disaster in Jesus name .
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O taste and see that the Lord is good.(Psalm 34:8). I have tasted and found that the Lord is good. I do testify that the Lord is good.Join me to taste him.
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