Jehoshaphat ruled in Judah, and “the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals” (17:3). Many good things happened during his reign but there’s this troubling note: “He allied himself with Ahab by marriage. (18:1). That would be King Ahab in the north, married to Jezebel, and condemned by the prophet Elijah. Not a real good guy to have in your corner! On a visit by Jehoshaphat to Samaria,
Ahab king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?” (18:3) Jehoshaphat agree to join in the battle in which Ahab ultimately was killed. Jehoshaphat survived the battle, but the Chronicler reports, “When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is on you” (19:1-2). Now, Jehoshaphat did many good things and prevailed over many of his enemies, yet, Jehu’s evaluation reminds us that it really does matter whom we hang out with. Years ago, I read on a church sign: “If you sleep with dogs, you’ll get fleas.” Well, actually they had misspelled a couple words – “yull” and “flees” – but the point is clear. In his hymn, Frances R. Havergal asks some important questions about our friendships and loyalties.
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine! -- Frances R. Havergal (1877)