GODLY ALLIANCES

September 3rd, 2019
by Glad Tidings Church

There’s a story in your Bible about a king named Jehoshaphat. He did righteously in the eyes of God and received the blessing of the Lord upon him all of the days of his reign. But there is one part of his story, where he displeased the Lord. Even after seeing the Lord perform such mighty miracles on his behalf and on behalf of the people of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20, he made an “alliance” or “joined himself” with the king of Israel. You might think “why was that so bad?” Well at that time, the kings of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. Jehoshaphat was well aware that King Ahaziah of Israel was an ungodly, evil king.

“Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked. He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber, Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made. The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.” 2 Chronincles 20:35-37, NIV

Jehoshaphat joined himself in an ungodly business alliance. This obviously displeased the Lord. We don’t see that it discredited Jehoshaphat‘s name before God, but we do see God take action against him. The Bible tells us that his fleet of trading ships were broken up by God — utterly and completely destroyed.

Christians, God obviously does not like evil alliances even in the name of “good business”. The church as an institution as well as the individual who believes in Christ, must be careful who they join themselves to in financial endeavors. You see, God doesn’t bless just ANYTHING we set our hands to do. He blesses RIGHTEOUS endeavors and GODLY alliances. Obviously, God takes these alliances very seriously-- Jehoshaphat’s trading ships never sailed-- but yours can. Simply listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow God's righteous, perfect plan!