OCTOBER 8, 2 Kings 3:1-9

There were 3 kings: King Jehoshaphat of Judah (southern kingdom), King Jehoram of Israel (northern kingdom), and the king of Edom. Who were they and how did they become friends to join forces to fight a war? First, let us see what kind of character each of them was.

Jehoshaphat was a godly king. But we are told in today’s text he made a mistake. He got involved with 2 ungodly kings. He placed his brotherly feeling for Jehoram above his love for God and agreed to help Jehoram fight against the rebelling Moabites. Jehoram was son of wicked King Ahab. To reach Moab, the army had to pass through Edom. So, Jehoram made an ally out of the king of Edom just to make use of him. Do you think God would approve of such a circle of friends? How should we choose our friends? Christians should stay away from the company of people with bad habits. Those would include smokers, gamblers, drinkers, users of vulgar language, hooligans, bullies and cheats. It is easy to fall under their influence.

More importantly, we must not have fellowship with enemies and mockers of God and God’s Word. Of course, we can still make friends with unbelievers. If they do not have Christian friends, who will share the Gospel with them and encourage them to go to church? But, we must never join in any of their dishonourable activities that are not pleasing in God’s sight. Jehoshaphat made that mistake. In their case, their unity was not strength. It was sin.

Who is your best friend? With whom do you hang around most? Remember your friends will influence you. No matter how strong you think you are, you would be impacted by the character of your friends.

So dear child, spend time with God’s people. Faithfully attend Junior Worship classes. Always try to go for Church Bible Camps or Sunday School classes. And during holidays, if your church has camps – attend them! They are a foretaste of heaven!

Thought: Godly people make the best friends.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to choose godly friends. Also, teach me to befriend those who need Jesus, so that I can share the gospel with them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.