Today I read 2 Chronicles 21, in which Jehoram, king of Judah, only reined eight years, was afflicted, and died because of his wickedness. Today I considered that we should consult God before deciding on the head of the family, and parents’ friends impact their children’s lives.
First Not Best
A leader was chosen because of birth order instead of love for God or their character resulting in betrayal, worshiping false gods, war, and death (2 Chronicles 21:1-20). Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s eldest son, became king of Israel because he was the oldest, but his brothers were better than Jehoram. They were given an inheritance by Jehoshaphat and territory. After Jehoshaphat died, Jehoram killed all of his brothers and some princes in Israel. He lived like the wicked kings of Israel, worshiped false gods, married Ahab’s daughter, and caused people in Jerusalem to sin. The Edomites rebelled against Jehoram. God caused the Philistines and Arabians to war against Jehoram, take Jerusalem’s valuables, and kill all of Jehoram’s sons except the youngest. God also had Jehoram suffer and die from an incurable disease that made his bowels run out. While Jehoshaphat reined 25 years, Jehoram only reined 8 years before dying. Jehoram was not allowed to be buried with the other kings. Assigning someone as a leader because they were first without considering their relationship with God and leadership abilities can lead to failure.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
The relationships parents cultivate or the people parents are around can negatively impact their children. Jehoshaphat kept being friends with the kings of Israel, who were not following after God. Jehoshaphat’s children met them and were around them because of Jehoshaphat. Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son, married a daughter from the kings of Israel who encouraged him to do evil.
Those who are parents or want to be parents, have you considered the negative impact of the people around you on your children?