In what ways can we avoid repeating Jehoram's mistakes in our own lives? Jehoram’s Troubling Path (2 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 21) 2 Kings 8:18: “He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD.” 2 Kings 8:28: “Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram.” God’s record of Jehoram’s eight-year reign is a sober warning for every believer. Missteps We Dare Not Copy • Compromising alliances – He patterned himself after Ahab’s household (2 Kings 8:18). – 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14—wrong company warps character. • Unequal marriage – He married Ahab’s daughter, bringing Baal worship into Judah (2 Chronicles 21:6). – Deuteronomy 7:3-4—mixed devotion turns the heart. • Hard-heartedness toward prophetic warning – Ignored Elijah’s letter that spelled out judgment (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). – Hebrews 3:15—“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Violent self-protection – Murdered his brothers (2 Chronicles 21:4). – Proverbs 16:18—pride precedes destruction. • Short-sighted leadership – Edom and Libnah revolted (2 Kings 8:20-22). – Proverbs 28:2—sin destabilizes a nation. Guardrails That Keep Us from His Cliff 1. Choose godly companions (Proverbs 13:20; Psalm 1). 2. Pursue Christ-centered marriage (Ephesians 5:31-33). 3. Act on Scripture immediately (James 1:22; Psalm 119:11). 4. Cultivate humility and service (James 4:6-10; Philippians 2:3-4). 5. Lead faithfully wherever God places you (1 Timothy 4:12; Matthew 5:16). A Brighter Pattern to Follow • Josiah humbled himself before the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:11-13). • Paul counted all loss for Christ (Philippians 3:8). • Jesus, the flawless King, “learned obedience” and secured eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9). Takeaway Stay separate unto God, stay soft toward His Word, and stay humble in leadership—three deliberate choices that keep Jehoram’s tragedy from becoming our own. |
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