Read: 2 Chronicles 18:28-19:3; Matthew 10:16
Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. (2 Chron. 18:31)
As a pastor I learned to advise members of the congregation who were well-intentioned but who became overextended in volunteering at church. I encouraged them to make priorities and define boundaries. When necessary, it’s okay to say no. This is a lesson that I constantly need in my own life.
King Jehoshaphat of Judah was an example of a good king. The Chronicler notes a number of ways that Jehoshaphat had pastoral care for his people (2 Chronicles 17). But Jehoshaphat compromised through a marriage alliance with King Ahab of Israel (18:1). At Ahab’s suggestion, Jehoshaphat joined in attacking Ramoth-gilead. Both kings failed to heed the warning of the prophet Micaiah (vv. 18-22); thus, surely Jehoshaphat went into battle with an uneasy conscience. At the suggestion of Ahab, Jehoshaphat went into battle wearing royal robes while Ahab wore ordinary clothes. This almost led to King Jehoshaphat’s death. How did Jehoshaphat allow all of this to happen? Most likely because he had the inability to say no. Thankfully, the Lord took action to divert the enemy army (vv. 31-32). But Jehoshaphat should not have put the Lord to a test.
As Christians when we bear the burdens of others (Gal. 6:2), we must have an awareness of becoming overextended and simply going along with the requests of others. We must have appropriate boundaries. Or as Jesus taught us, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16).
As you pray, ask God to help you love others with appropriate boundaries.
About the Author
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland Michigan.
