Day 134

A Mixed Verdict

Read: 2 Chronicles 17-20

We have seen how Asa relied on the Lord. Yet near the end of his life a prophet said, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you . . . You have done foolishly in this” (16:7-9). Asa was so angry that he threw the prophet in prison. So often in the Old Testament, men who had been strong in the Lord earlier in life slipped toward the end. We must be constantly on our guard, lest as time passes we drift away from reliance on God.

Now Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, becomes king. The Chronicler’s description is given: “He walked in the earlier ways of his father” (17:3). Jehoshaphat is commended for what he did, “sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments” (v. 4) and also for what he did not do: “he did not seek the Baals” and he walked “not according to the ways of Israel” (v. 3). In doing what is right, we must avoid the sins of others around us.

Jehoshaphat sought to use his influence to encourage others to live godly lives. He sent priests to teach the Word of God throughout Judah. But he had his faults. He made an alliance with wicked Ahab, and in spite of the warning of the faithful prophet Micaiah, he joined with Ahab in a disastrous battle. Later he entered another alliance. There is only One who receives no mixed verdict—Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
Father, we all fall short of being all you want us to be. Forgive us. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.