2 Chronicles 18-20

Click on the Scripture above to read today's Bible text.

Here are a few thoughts from today's Bible story:

1) Be careful who you make an alliance with! In spite of the fact that Jehoshaphat is a Godly king, he makes two terrible mistakes within these three chapters. Both of them are the result of making a pact or agreement or an alliance with wicked king Ahab and his son Ahaziah. In the first alliance (18:1), Jehoshaphat makes the terrible mistake of allowing his son marry the daughter of one of the most wicked men on earth! He was scolded by one of God's prophets (Hanani) in 19:1. Hanani told him that "the Lord is very angry with you." The second mistake is found in 20:35-37. Jehoshaphat decides to make a business alliance with king Ahab's son, Ahaziah, who is also a wicked king. They decide to build a fleet of ships together. As a result of the alliance he made with this wicked king, another prophet (Eliezar) prophesies the destruction of the business - which happened within a few short years and the ships were never able to sail.

This story is a great example of why the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:14 - "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?"

If you are going to go into business with someone or marry someone and you are serious about making the alliance successful, make sure they are committed believers in Christ! Otherwise, God may be angry about it and the blessing may never come!

2) Spiritual forces we can not see are always at work! In chapter 18, we get a glimpse of what goes on in Heaven. Micaiah, the prophet, was given the privilege to receive a vision of the Lord and his angelic army surrounding him. From the book of Job, we also know that evil spirits must appear before the Lord as well. In the case here in chapter 18, a lying spirit goes forth and entices King Ahab to go to war which, in turn, leads to his death.

This is what the apostle Paul is speaking about in Ephesians 6:12 - "For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." This is why it is so important that each of us, as Christians, continually seek the Lord and be aware of Satan's behind-the-scenes tactics to destroy each of us.

3) The battle is ALWAYS the Lord's in the life of a believer! Chapter 20 tells one of the greatest stories of the Bible. As news of an imminent attack on Jerusalem by 3 armies arrives by messengers, Jehoshaphat and the rest of Judah is terrified. However, they do exactly what God wants them to do:

The 7 Keys To Victory!

- They fasted and begged the Lord for guidance! 20:3-4
- They prayed to the Lord together! 20:5-12
- They waited on an answer from the Spirit of the Lord! 20:14-17
- They humbled themselves before the Lord and worshipped Him! 20:18-19
- They were encouraged to "Believe in the Lord." 20:20
- They went into battle praising the Lord! 20:21
- They didn't forget to worship and thank the Lord for the results! 20:27-28

I hope this lesson is a blessing to you. Have a great day in the Lord!