Who Are You Following?

As He is, so are we!

1 John 4:17 KJV 

There is a story in the Old Testament where King Jehoshaphat follows King Ahab into battle. In the book of 2 Chronicles 18, there is a scene that illustrates the benefits and traps of following. King Ahab persuaded King Jehoshaphat to go to battle with him, and King Jehoshaphat agreed, saying, “I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will be with you in the war.” This situation seems odd because they don’t share coinciding beliefs. 

As Jesus is, so are we in this world!

I John 4:17

King Ahab Sought the Words of Men! 

King Ahab believed in the prophets of men, and King Jehoshaphat believed in the Lord and his prophets. In verses 5-7, the King of Israel (Ahab) gathered the prophets together, 400 men. I have read this verse several times, but scripture doesn’t say how many prophets, but 400 men, and King Ahab said to the 400 men, “Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” They said, “Go up, for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.”    

King Jehoshaphat Looked for the Prophet of the Lord! 

King Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him? “King Jehoshaphat used the term we as if he and King Ahab were of one group in his mind. The King of Israel told Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. He is Micaiah, the son of Imla.   

Deceiver Practices Deception!

King Jehoshaphat, being a man of God, attempted to influence deceitful King Ahab’s thinking by saying to him, “Let not the king say such things.” I have often tried to transfer my thinking or beliefs to an associate or friend. The King of Israel called to his officers, “Bring Micaiah, the son of Imla, quickly.” It appears Ahab called the Prophet to deceive Jehoshaphat, as he has already said that the Prophet never prophesies good concerning me!

What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV

In 2 Chronicles verses 9-28, King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat sat on their thrones in their royal regalia and listened to the words of Prophet Micaiah concerning the battle. The Prophet of the Lord finished with these words, “The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the Lord has declared disaster against you.” Infuriating King Ahab further and causing himself to be incarcerated.

Relationship Paradox!

What Part has a believer with an unbeliever?

2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV

Was King Jehoshaphat intoxicated with wine or his thoughts of goodwill, trusting his in-laws? The kings had a marriage alliance before their military pact (2 Chronicles 18:1 ESV). Jehoshaphat’s son married Ahab’s daughter. But still, why would King Jehoshaphat, after hearing the words of the Prophet of God, agree to a scheme that put him at a disadvantage: putting on his royal robes while Ahab disguised himself for battle?     

God Hears and Protects His Own!

But God protected Jehoshaphat when he cried out during the battle when he was surrounded. Still, King Ahab died from the battle regardless of his efforts, just as the Prophet of the Lord said to them, “The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the Lord has declared disaster against you.”    

Are you following Jesus?

Don’t know Him? He is just a prayer away!

Invite Him into your life!

Pray,

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving and dying for me on the cross. Your precious blood washes me clean of every sin. You are my Lord and Savior, now and forever. I believe that Father God raised You from the dead and that You are alive right now at the right hand of God. Because of Your finished work, I am now a beloved child of God, and heaven is my home. Thank You for giving me eternal life and filling my heart with love, peace, and joy!

Amen

Follow Him that died for You!