How does 2 Chronicles 18:28 demonstrate the importance of seeking God's guidance first? Setting the Scene • 2 Chronicles 18 records an alliance between righteous King Jehoshaphat of Judah and wicked King Ahab of Israel. • Before marching against Ramoth-gilead, Jehoshaphat wisely asks Ahab, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD” (v. 4). • Ahab parades 400 court prophets promising victory, yet God’s true prophet, Micaiah, foretells disaster (vv. 16-22). • Ignoring God’s warning, the two kings proceed anyway—“So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead” (2 Chronicles 18:28). Why Verse 28 Matters Although the text merely notes their departure, verse 28 is the hinge between hearing God’s counsel and choosing whether to obey it. The decision to march highlights three truths: 1. Insight without obedience is useless. 2. Delayed consultation often equals predetermined disobedience. 3. Partnership with the wrong people pulls us toward wrong choices. Key Lessons on Seeking God First • Seek before you plan, not after you plan – Jehoshaphat let Ahab outline the campaign, then asked for divine counsel. The horse was already out of the barn. – Compare David’s pattern: “David inquired of the LORD” before acting (1 Chronicles 14:14). • Listen for God’s voice, not echo chambers – Ahab’s 400 prophets told him what he wanted to hear; only Micaiah spoke for the LORD. – Proverbs 14:12 reminds us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” • Obedience is the proof of genuine consultation – Verse 28 shows that both kings had the information but refused to adjust their course. – Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • Wrong alliances cloud discernment – Jehoshaphat’s friendship with Ahab pressured him to march even after hearing God’s warning. – 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 3:5-6—Guidance follows trust and acknowledgment, not self-reliance. • Psalm 32:8—God promises direction when we allow Him to “instruct” and “teach” us. • James 1:5—Wisdom is granted freely when we ask in faith. Practical Takeaways 1. Begin every major decision—relationships, career moves, ministry plans—by asking, “What has God already said in His Word?” 2. Test counsel by Scripture; popular opinion can be spiritually lethal. 3. When guidance contradicts your agenda, surrender the agenda. God’s warnings are mercy, not obstacles. 4. Guard partnerships. Align with people who push you toward, not away from, obedience. 5. Make obedience immediate. Delayed compliance often becomes outright defiance. Conclusion 2 Chronicles 18:28 captures the tragic moment when two kings walked past God’s clear counsel and straight into needless loss. Their march challenges us to seek the Lord first, heed His Word fully, and trust that His guidance—requested early and obeyed promptly—leads to life. |
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