Jehoshaphat: The Chronicles of Judah
Have you ever heard someone exclaim, “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!”? If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered what in the world that phrase means. It turns out, it was a “substitute cuss word” people used back in the 1800s. Just like we say, “gosh” instead of “God” or “freakin’” as a mild replacement for more intense words, folks back then used “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” to express frustration or shock.
But Jehoshaphat is more than just an old-timey exclamation. He’s a real king from the Bible, and his story gives us some powerful lessons about compromise and courage.
Jehoshaphat: A Good King with a Flaw
Jehoshaphat was a good king. In fact, 2 Chronicles 17 tells us that “the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David.” He wasn’t perfect, but he did several notable things right:
He followed the Lord and did not consult the Baals.
He appointed itinerant teachers for spiritual instruction.
He created courts of justice.
Because of these decisions, his reign was marked by wealth, education, faithfulness, and justice. But Jehoshaphat made one critical mistake that led to disastrous consequences for future generations: he aligned himself with King Ahab by marrying his son, Jehoram, to Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah.
The Ripple Effect of Compromise
It might have seemed like a small thing at the time—just a political marriage to strengthen ties between Judah and Israel. But the truth is that small compromises can lead to major disasters.
Athaliah, the daughter of wicked King Ahab and Jezebel, brought the idolatry and corruption of her family into Jehoshaphat’s line. Her influence would spread like poison, impacting her husband, son, and grandson. All because of one small compromise.
It’s a sobering reminder that our seemingly minor choices today can ripple out and affect those we love tomorrow.
Bad Company Corrupts Good Character
Jehoshaphat didn’t just compromise in marriage. He also got too cozy with King Ahab, one of the most wicked kings in Israel’s history. This friendship led him to join Ahab in a military alliance that nearly cost him his life.
The Bible warns us, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). It’s a reminder to be discerning about the people we let influence us. Whether it’s who we choose to marry, who we hang out with, or who we go into business with, bad company will pull us away from God’s purposes if we’re not careful.
Micaiah: A Voice of Truth in a Sea of Lies
One of the most compelling parts of Jehoshaphat’s story involves the prophet Micaiah. When Jehoshaphat and Ahab are deciding whether to go to war, Micaiah stands alone against 400 false prophets. He tells the truth, even though it means prison for him.
Micaiah is a reminder that speaking truth to power is a good thing. Even when it’s unpopular. Even when it costs us.
The Sovereign Hand of God
In the end, despite Jehoshaphat’s compromises and Ahab’s attempts to disguise himself in battle, God’s will prevailed. A “random” arrow struck Ahab in his armor, and he died just as Micaiah had foretold.
God’s sovereignty is at work even when things look out of control. It didn’t matter how Ahab dressed up or schemed; you can’t thwart the sovereign will of God. It’s a comforting thought for us today—no matter what chaos we see around us, God is still in control.
Where Are You Compromising?
Jehoshaphat’s story raises some tough questions. He was a good man who made some bad choices. His compromises didn’t just affect him; they impacted his family, his kingdom, and future generations.
Where might you be compromising? Here are a few areas to think about:
Who you date or marry: Are they someone who loves Jesus and has excellent character?
Your friendships and partnerships: Are your closest relationships pulling you closer to God or farther away?
Your work life: Are you being honest with your expenses and your time?
Your entertainment choices: Are you watching things that feed your soul or things that subtly pull you away from purity and truth?
Your commitment to spiritual disciplines: Have you compromised in your prayer life or Bible study?
Your generosity and care for the poor: Does your spending reflect God’s priorities, or have you compromised your commitment to generosity?
No Retreats, No Reserves, No Regrets
We serve a Savior who never compromised. Jesus never shied away from speaking the truth. He never stopped giving His life away. He would rather go to His death than deny His identity as the Son of God and King of Kings. He lived a life of no retreats, no reserves, and no regrets. And He invites us to live that same kind of life.
So here’s my challenge to you: where do you need to stop compromising? What’s one area where you know you’ve been taking the easy way out instead of standing strong?
Ask God for the courage to stand firm. To speak the truth. To live with integrity. Like Micaiah, you may not get rewarded for it in this life. But living a life of faithfulness to God’s call is always worth it.
Let’s pray and ask God for the strength to live a life of no retreats, no reserves, and no regrets.
Blog adapted from September 29, 2024, message by Minister Mark Ashton