Jesus was never enslaved by guilt or duty. He served others in response to the direction of God, His Father.
Jehoshaphat was one of the best kings of Judah, while Ahab was the worst king of Israel. For some unknown reason, Jehoshaphat made an alliance through marriage with Ahab's family. What is this Godly king thinking?
Ahab convinces Jehoshaphat to go to war against the Moabites. Instead of traveling the short route across the Jordan River, they go through Edom to pick up more warriors. The only problem was they didn't bring water or food for the journey, and there wasn't any available in the desert.
In Verse 10 Ahab is blaming God for their predicament. God didn't mess up. They did. Hang around with the wrong people, and they will feed you with wrong ideas about God.
Jehoshaphat calls for a prophet of God. While the first prophet came to them, Ahab knew Elisha would never come to meet them. They went to his place, and Elisha says to Ahab, "What have I to do with you?" If it wasn't for the fact Jehoshaphat was with Ahab, he would never have even looked at Ahab. He seeks God and gives them the answers they need.
Why does Jehoshaphat join himself with Israel? He may feel like he is supposed to or obligated because they are now related. Maybe guilt is used.
Four ways people respond to you:
1. They are open to what you say, and they do it.
2. They seem open to what you say but then neglect it.
3. They seem resistant to what you say but go and think on it.
4. They are closed to what you say.
Which ones is it wise to put your resources into?
Because of Jehoshaphat's relationship with God, he put God and the prophet in a place neither of them wanted to be. Jesus told the disciples when a place rejected them they should shake the dust from their feet and move on. He spoke in parables, so people who would not receive His words wouldn't understand.
King Jehoshaphat wasted precious time, resources, and almost lost his life by aligning himself with evil King Ahab. His decision led to much trouble for himself and his family.
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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, Zoe Christian Fellowship is a friendly, multi-cultural group of believers where the teaching of Word of God is emphasized. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. The church telephone number is (215) 343-7686. We look forward to meeting you!
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