How can we discern godly partnerships today, reflecting on 2 Chronicles 20:36? A caution from 2 Chronicles 20:36 “They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built at Ezion-geber.” Jehoshaphat yoked himself to Ahaziah, a king Scripture calls wicked. The venture looked promising, yet every ship splintered before a single sail was raised. God made His verdict unmistakable: partnership with unrighteousness invites ruin. Tracing the warning back • 2 Chronicles 20:35 tells us Ahaziah “acted wickedly.” • Verse 37 records the prophet’s rebuke: “Because you have formed an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” • The same event is mirrored in 1 Kings 22:48–49, underscoring its seriousness. Principles drawn from the passage • Spiritual mismatch outweighs practical benefit. • Hidden compromise eventually becomes public loss. • God remains faithful to warn before the fallout; He sent Eliezer. • The Lord’s purpose for His people cannot be advanced by unrighteous means. Five checkpoints for discernment today 1. Shared allegiance to Christ “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14) 2. Common Kingdom purpose “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) 3. Consistent godly character “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) 4. Confirmation through wise counsel “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) 5. Inner witness of peace “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) Results of choosing well • Mutual growth in holiness (Proverbs 27:17). • Unified witness to a watching world (John 13:35). • Strengthened hands for every good work (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). • Lasting fruit that glorifies God (John 15:8). Guarding against compromise • Weigh motives, not merely opportunities. • Observe patterns, not isolated acts. • Invite Scripture to overrule sentiment. • Remain ready to walk away when alignment is absent. Conclusion Jehoshaphat’s wrecked fleet stands as a floating caution sign. Godly partnerships begin and end with shared submission to the Lord Jesus, confirmed by His Word, His people, and His peace. Anything less may sail for Tarshish but never leave the harbor. |
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