08/12/2012 - A chip is not always off the old block

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Now when Jehoram was established over the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and killed all his brothers with the sword, and also others of the princes of Israel.

II Chronicles 21: 4

Jehoshaphat was a great man of God who knew how to listen to the voice of The Lord and obey Him. Yet, that king didn’t manage to make his firstborn son, Jehoram – apart from being his heir – to become a successful successor. Sadly, many servants of The Most High won’t open up their eyes to see if their family is or isn’t walking according to their faith. And because of their being reckless they happen to be taken by surprise with uncontrolled attitudes from their beloved ones, attitudes which cause them pain, suffering and shame.

That ruler was concerned about their children’s future regarding material possessions; yet, something much more important – the fear of The Lord – was left aside. If The Good Seed is not planted the enemy will sow his tares and when that happens we won’t be able to bear good fruits.  Not surprisingly we happen to hear rumours of some relatives of the people of God being caught up in the evil way. That’s the reason why we need to keep an eye out and pray for ours not to fall into temptation as well (Mark 14: 38).

Jehoshaphat determined Jehoram to become his successor. Most probably the choice took place according to his will not God’s considering that his son showed himself as someone whose behaviour was awful. Those who make decisions by what seems to be the right option and not by the divine direction are committing an error. At Jesse’s house Prophet Samuel was impressed with the oldest son of that man yet, he was not the chosen one of The Lord, David, the youngest was the chosen one.

Shortly afterwards king Jehoram proved to be evil. As soon as his kingdom was confirmed, now strengthened, king Jehoram made hasty decisions according to his evil mind: he murdered all of his brothers. A bad-intentioned person is to always be avoided because whenever they have a chance they won’t hesitate to put into practice their mad plans. A criminal man will never rest before he sees his ruthless intention fulfilled.

It’s not by chance that The Word reports the fact of Jehoram marrying the daughter of Ahab, the ruthless idol worshiper and sorcerer king of Israel. Once more king Jehoshaphat was mistaken because as he allowed such marriage to take place he was actually handing out his son to be contaminated by such demented family which had caused Israel to go away from their God.

Those who love The Lord mustn’t accept the company of those who don’t fear Him. Jeroham’s last days were tragic – you must know that those who give themselves to sinning will find no peace or a future. Due to his evil behaviour he only ruled for eight years and, later on, he went into eternity to wait for the Final Judgement. Disgracefully, similar occurrences have become recurrent through generations and we haven’t experienced any difference nowadays. Woe to those who sell themselves to the devil!

It’s a good idea for you to examine your behaviour lately regarding your family. You must strive not to be found accountable for any mad attitude some of them might take. Your garments must be clean all the time and you mustn’t lack the anointing upon your head either (Ecclesiastes 9: 8). When you do it your lineage will be well-successful in all senses.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares