Are we compromising our spiritual walks? (2 Chron 18 - 22)
For the last two weeks, we learned about king Jehoshaphat and how he nearly lost his life when he didn’t obey the Lord (by joining military forces with king Ahab) in 2 Chron 18; this was not his only spiritual compromise. Today, we will learn about the consequences of such compromises, as well as the importance of putting away our old selves and taking on our new identities in Christ.
King Jehoshaphat’s compromises
In 2 Chron 18 - 22, king Jehoshaphat made at least three compromises:
He still chose to partner king Ahab in a military conquest against Ramothgilead even though the true prophet of God had warned them not to proceed (2 Chron 18:16). King Jehoshaphat had no excuse since he was the one that requested the enquiry of the Lord.
He chose to work with king Ahab’s son, Ahaziah (2 Chron 20:35 - 17) on a shipbuilding venture even though the latter has been described as a king who “did very wickedly” (v35).
He allowed his son, Jehoram, to marry king Ahab’s daughter (2 Chron 21:4 - 6). This resulted in Jehoram walking in the way of the kings of Israel, like the house of Ahab.
Why are these decisions considered compromises?
King Jehoshaphat knew exactly what God loves and hates, but he still chose to disobey God time and time again. Any act of disobedience is thus a compromise. Sometimes, we rationalise that as long as the means justify the desired end goals, we can compromise on our spiritual principles. For instance, King Jehoshaphat might have wanted to reunite the Jews of both kingdoms (Judah and Israel) with a combined military conquest, hence the decision to compromise. However, when we do things for our Lord, we need to do them His way. Furthermore, some approaches might deceive us (Prov 14:12).
Disobedience to God and compromises have consequences
There will be consequences (for self and/or others) when we make such compromises.
In the case of king Jehoshaphat,
He almost died in battle against Ramothgilead but God preserved his life as he cried out to the Lord (2 Chron 18:31). When king Jehoshaphat returned home, Jehu the seer also confronted him about his decision (2 Chron 19:2).
The joint venture between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah collapsed with warnings from Eliezer the prophet (2 Chron 20:37).
His lineage was almost severed due to the marriage - Jehoram killed all his brothers (2 Chron 21:4); there was more killing of the royal seeds of the house of Judah (2 Chron 22:10 - 12). But God preserved Joash (v11) in order to keep His covenant promise.
At a larger scale, since Adam made a compromise in the Garden of Eden, there have been consequences until today (in the form of sins and death).
Is our lifestyle still the same as before (we knew Christ)?
As we read about king Jehoshaphat, may we also reflect on the compromises that we have made in our everyday lives. Everytime we choose to sin, we disobey God and compromise.
Ephesians 4:22-24 - That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Let’s strive to depend on the Lord (for His rest in Matthew 11:28 - 30) as we reject compromises and put on the new man (and not simply place the new man over the old).
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