Set Your Heart
To Seek God
So the king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah went up to Ramothgilead. The
king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will
disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. Now the
king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots. “Fight with
no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.” When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him; and Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, for when
the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. But a certain man
drew his bow and unknowingly struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate, so he said
to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around, and carry me out of the battle, for
I am wounded.” The battle grew hot that day, and the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot facing the Arameans until evening; then at sunset he died.
King Jehoshaphat
of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who
hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the LORD.
Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the sacred poles out
of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.”
2 Chronicles 18:28-19:3
Make sure you choose your
alliances carefully. Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, formed an alliance with Jehoshaphat,
king of Judah, when they joined armies against Syria. Ahab encouraged Jehoshaphat
to put on his kingly robes while Ahab disguised himself in battle. He knew the
Syrians would try to kill the king. The opposing army surrounded Jehoshaphat. The king cried to the LORD for help and God
diverted the troops. Despite Ahab’s treacherous scheme to save his own skin, he
was killed by a stray arrow.
Helping people in need is godly.
But making unwise alliances with those who hate God may prove disastrous.
Be sure to choose your own alliances wisely.
Right and wrong can never be partners.
Our Daily Bread – December 6, 2005