How does 2 Chronicles 20:36 teach us to prioritize God's will over alliances? Setting the Scene: Jehoshaphat’s Compromise 2 Chronicles 20:36: “He entered into an alliance with him to make ships to sail for Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-geber.” • Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, had enjoyed God’s favor (20:29). • Yet he chose to “enter into an alliance” with Ahaziah, king of apostate Israel (20:35–36). • Ahaziah “acted wickedly” (20:35), a direct warning sign Jehoshaphat ignored. The Lesson in a Wrecked Fleet 2 Chronicles 20:37: “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.” • God did not merely reprimand; He destroyed the ships before they ever sailed. • The broken fleet is a visible reminder that any plan opposed to God’s will, no matter how profitable it appears, is destined for failure (Psalm 127:1). Why Alliances Matter to God • Unity with the ungodly dulls spiritual discernment (1 Kings 22:4–6). • Compromised partnerships communicate approval of sin (Romans 1:32). • Unequal alliances violate the principle, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). • They redirect trust from the Lord to human strategy (Jeremiah 17:5). Prioritizing God’s Will Over Human Partnership • God’s will is revealed in His Word; His commands outweigh potential economic or political gain (Deuteronomy 28:1–2). • Aligning decisions with God brings security and success (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Departure from His direction invites discipline, as seen in the ruined ships (Hebrews 12:6). Practical Takeaways for Today • Examine every partnership—business, ministry, or personal—by Scripture first. • Success without God’s blessing is short-lived; pursue ventures He can fully endorse. • When conviction comes, be willing to dissolve alliances quickly, trusting God to provide (Isaiah 31:1). • Remember: obedience positions us for protection and provision; compromise courts loss, even when the plan looks seaworthy. |
    |