2 Kings 3:1-27


Victory is not always a sign of God’s approval in our lives.  The army of Israel under the leadership of their king, Jehoram was victorious over the army of Moab.  However, the Lord is not at all pleased with Israel or Jehoram.  This may be a case where the lesser of two evils won or simply that the Lord had decided to judge Moab for their terrible idolatry.  We must be careful not to consider that our success in some venture is indicative of God’s approval in every area of our lives.

A COALITION FORMS AND FALTERS: Jehoram is the son of Ahab and is described as being evil but not as evil as his father had been.  He actually removed the pillar of Baal that Ahab had built, but he continued to be an idolatrous king.  Halfhearted reforms are not sufficient to please the Lord, He wants our undivided worship.  When the king of Moab rebels against Israel and refuses to pay their tax; Israel forms a coalition with Judah as well as Edom to go and attack Moab.  However as they are marching toward Moab for a long, hot seven days they run out of water and they are certain that they will either die of thirst or be overtaken by Moab in this weakened condition.  Desperation is setting in and Jehoram is convinced that defeat is inevitable.  It is only at this point that they stop to seek the Lord.  It is all too common for us to turn to the Lord in times of trouble but not seek Him for guidance and wisdom prior to setting out upon a path.

THE COALITION SEEKS GOD AND IS SAVED: Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah asks if there is a prophet of God who can reveal the will of the Lord to them and Elisha is indicated.  When the three kings approach; Elisha makes it very clear that only because of Jehoshaphat would the he give attention to this situation.  Jehoram has continued to worship other gods and so Elisha tells him that he should go seek after them or repent and serve the only true God alone.  However, out of consideration for Judah, Elisha inquires of the Lord and promises to send water in a miraculous way as well as give them victory over Moab.  Both of these things occur just as Elisha has said they would.  This was a great victory and I am sure that Israel celebrated it in a wonderful way but it must not be confused with God’s approval of all that Israel was doing.  God is pleased when we follow His Word with all of our hearts.  This may lead us to experience suffering but it is far better to suffer as we follow God than to prosper and walk in disobedience to Him.  Jehoram had a passing victory but his eternity is lost in idolatry.

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