2Chronicles 19.02 l REBUKING THE KING

Today’s reading: 2Chronicles 18-20

2Chronicles 19.02 “2 Jehu the 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 and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD?”

In todays reading, the chronicler tells us about the alliance that Ahab makes with Jehoshaphat (2Chronicles 18.01-03), who wants to seek divine guidance and not the sham from the false prophets (2Chronicles 18.04-27), and then Ahab is killed in battle contrary to what his false prophets predicted (2Chronicles 18.28-34)! Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat for his alliance (2Chronicles 19.01-04) and Jehoshaphat institutes some religious reforms (2Chronicles 19.05-11). Judah is then invaded (2Chronicles 20.01-04) Jehoshaphat prays for deliverance (2Chronicles 20.05-13), and Jahaziel the prophet gives the people the answer to Jehoshaphat’s prayer from the LORD (2Chronicles 20.14-25). After their return to Jerusalem (2Chronicles 20.26-34), Jehoshaphat makes an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel that displeases the LORD (2Chronicles 20.35-37).

There are too many of God’s people who think that God is fine with them making an alliance with the ungodly. Jehoshaphat thought it would be a good idea. We see some of his Godly heritage coming out, wanting a real prophet from the LORD (2Chronicles 18.06-07), but he didn’t have the courage to say no to an alliance with men (2Chronicles 18; 2Chronicles 20.35-37).

There is a need for more men like Micaiah (2Chronicles 18.13) and Jehu (2Chronicles 19.02).

Throughout history we see that there are many who want their ears scratched (2Timothy 04.02-04).

When Paul was trying to hurry to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost, he stopped in Miletus (mil-ay-tos) & sent for the elders of the church at Ephesus (Acts 20.17-38), he declared that he was bold in proclaiming the Gospel of God & gave them a warning about false teachers.

Paul stated that the leaders of the church are to teach God’s Word & be on guard (pay attention) for the savage wolves who will arise from inside of the church.

Paul gives a warning in his letter to the church at Rome (Romans 16.17-18)

The phrase “keep your eye” in Romans 16.17 is the Greek word “skopeo” which literally means to take aim at, to spy, to take heed, to mark.

Paul was saying here that we are to scope out false teachers who teach that is against the Word of God and turn away from them!

Paul tells the church at Corinth that these false teachers are from Satan, taking their cue of deceit from him by saying that they are sent from God, but in all actuality they are false teachers (2Corinthians 11.12-15).

Paul warned the church at Ephesus not to be immature like children & be easily deceived (Ephesians 04.14).

Paul told Timothy that the times will get worse, but he wanted him to continue in the teaching of the Word of God (2Timothy 03.13-17; 2Timothy 04.04).

Peter warned that false teachers will arise from the household of faith, & he even warned what their teachings will be characteristically about (2Peter 02.01-02).

John warned that false teachers (antichrists) will come, & that we are to test them to see if they are from God (1John 02.18; 1John 04.01).

Too many leaders are consorting with those who are not of the household of faith, even though they have the appearance of a sheep, in all reality they are wolves in sheep’s clothing!