Jehoshaphat’s Alliance (2 Chron 17 to 21)

These five chapters give us a picture of a man who had a good beginning, but a bad ending. He made bad alliances and reaped the consequences. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab was a bad one. The bad seed brought a bad crop. This principle is as true today as it was then, and it is as applicable to brothers and sisters as to others. Let us beware, therefore, of joining hands with those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to remember that with Jehoshaphat there was zeal for God at times, but at this time he was off his guard. His beginning was a very happy one and he was in God’s favour. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because at first he walked in the ways of his father David (2 Chron 17:3).

How wonderful to be approved by God and what satisfaction to rest in His favour! It is a wonderful thing that God loves us. Think who God is, and who we are. The One who made the worlds, thinks of us. His love to us is revealed in the Bible and there is no book like it. Where else can we find such thoughts as are therein contained? Who could have been the author of such thoughts! My desire for you is that you will not choose as your companions those who do not love the Lord. As you meet those who are not in Christ, talk to them and tell them about your Saviour, but do not go, with them as companions.

Bro Henderson Sosola (Mtenthela, Malawi)