Ruined By Association
Aaron Beard
Amongst a long line of wicked rulers found in the nations of Israel and Judah a bright light shines forth when Jehoshaphat becomes king. Speaking of his reign II Chronicles 17:3-4 says, “Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel." This was a king whose “heart took delight in the ways of the Lord” (vs. 6), tore down the altars of Baal (vs. 6), and sought to teach others the law of the Lord (vs. 9). This was a great man who did many great things for the cause of the Lord; however there was one area that caused him great trouble.
One of the most wicked kings of all time was King Ahab. I Kings 16:33 goes so far as to say that “Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.” The mere mention of the name “Ahab” brings to mind ungodliness, injustice, and idolatry. Ahab is the last person one would expect to find Jehoshaphat associating with; however, that is exactly what happened! I Kings 22:2 says that “Jehoshaphat went down to visit the king of Israel (Ahab).” It is apparent that this is a friendly visit and that it was something that took place on a regular basis. When Jehoshaphat discovered Ahab’s plans to take Remoth, a city in Gilead, Jehoshaphat said, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses” (I Kings 22:4). This friendship that developed between Ahab and Jehoshaphat proved to be the source of much ruin.
Jehu went out to meet Jehoshaphat as soon as he returned to Judah from Israel as said, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Therefore the wrath of the Lord is upon you” (II Chron. 19:2). Jehu was saying to Jehoshaphat, “What are you doing with that man?!” The effects of this friendship were felt much farther than Jehoshaphat could have ever imagined. Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram, took over after Jehoshaphat. Speaking of his rule the chronicler said, “And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had the daughter of Ahab as a wife; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord” (II Chron 21:6). This marriage is no surprise due to the relationship Jehoshaphat had with Ahab. The immorality of Ahab’s family seems to have affected the godliness that he had once promoted. Not only did this friendship cause great problems in the family of Jehoshaphat, but it also was the source of much digression of the nation of Israel. What would have happened had Jehoshaphat never created that friendship in the first place?
There is directly a valuable lesson here for parents. Some parents do not seem to understand that who they choose as friends could have a great impact on the lives of their children. It is often the case that a child spends a large amount of time around his/her parent’s close friends. They may ride with them to ball games, go over to their houses and play with their children, spend time in reaction with them, and even vacation together. Considering the amount of time your children may spend around your friends, it should stand to reason that you would only choose those who are striving toward the same goal as you are for your closest companions. When they are with your friends you may not have control over the type of music, television programs, or movies they are taken to see. It is also true that as they grow older temptations may be placed before them by your “friends” that they cannot handle and you may not be there for assistance. Do not allow the same ruin that came through Jehoshaphat’s friendship with Ahab happen to you!
Paul wrote, “Evil companions corrupt good morals” (I Cor. 15:33). That statement may be so simple that enough consideration is not given to it. While this verse is true of the way your companions can corrupt your morals, it is also true of the way your friends can corrupt the morals you are striving to instill in your children. The best way to keep from allowing your friends to undermine the training you are giving your child is to “make friends of God’s children.” Since Jesus promised us brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers a hundred fold (Mark 10:29-30), why do we not make them our closest friends? Paul, speaking by the inspiration of God, said, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” (2 Cor. 6:14). Just as Jehu asked Jehoshaphat, maybe we need to be asked, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” (II Chron. 19:2).