Early in the morning on December 7,
1941, the Japanese launched a surprise torpedo attack on the US Naval Base
Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On December 8, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
delivered a speech, also known as the “Infamy Speech” to the American citizens,
informing them that this happened while the US was in the midst of talks to
keep peace. That same day, America entered into World War II.
Close to 360 Japanese planes
attacked about 33 American ships. America sustained a loss of 170 aircraft that
morning as well as 18 ships. 2,403 Americans were killed and 1,178 others were
wounded; few Japanese died.
Another man in history also watched
and LOST his ships as they sunk in his harbor. The King of Judah experienced
his own loss, pain and sorrow. “Jehoshaphat also built a fleet of trading ships
to sail to Ophir for gold. But the ships never set sail, for they met
with disaster in their home port of Ezion-geber. (1 Kings 22:48)
So just what went wrong with this
Kings success? He reigns at the age of 35 for 25 years. He also came under
attack from three surrounding nations that attempted to wipe his nation Judah
off the face of the map. Jehoshaphat immediately sought the face of God for
direction. Ammon, Moab and Mt Seir came with a vengeance to destroy them but
met their own fate by turning on each other and destroying one another. Judah
never drew a sword in the battle but instead lifted their voices with great
praises to their God. As a result it took three days for Judah to collect all
the plunder, riches and treasures from off the dead bodies.
So what caused Jehoshaphat to build
ships in order to seek after gold? Could that have been a sign that his focus
was in the wrong place? God’s Word tells us prior to this move that he was asked by the King of Israel, “Ahab” to partner with him in fighting against the
nation of Aram. Jehoshaphat quickly agrees without even asking the Lord what
His will would be in this matter. Ahab was a wicked King who worshipped false
gods. Why would he so quickly agree to partner in this battle with this king?
What can we learn from
Jehoshaphat’s Losses?
“PAST SUCCESS DOESN’T GUARANTEE FUTURE VICTORY.” If King Jehoshaphat had asked God the right questions, (not
if they would win in this battle with Aram), but are you for me making this
NEXT move with this King?
“HE PARTNERED
WITH WICKED MEN, AHAB AND AHAZIAH.” Jehoshaphat had always leaned
on the Lord as his partner, for his next move in every battle. Not this
time, he moved without God’s direction and approval. God tells us not to be
unequally yoked. What does light have in common with darkness? Be careful who You get “in bed with” in
business, marriage or this world.
“HIS FOCUS SHIFTED
FROM CHASING GOD'S GLORY TO CHASING GOLD.” There is nothing wrong with God blessing you
with gold; but what’s more important is a heart chasing after God. Chase
after God and He will more than give you blessings. What are you chasing these days?
"WE MUST NEVER FORGET TRUE SUCCESS COMES FROM GOD.” God’s the REASON
that King Jehoshaphat experienced Victories, Relationships, Riches, and Blessings.
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”(Matthew 6:21) NLT
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