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2 Chronicles Chapter 22 (ESV)
1 And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah, his youngest son, king in his place, for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had killed all the older sons. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned. 2 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri. 3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly. 4 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done. For after the death of his father they were his counselors, to his undoing. 5 He even followed their counsel and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to make war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead. And the Syrians wounded Joram, 6 and he returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that he had received at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was wounded.
7 But it was ordained by God that the downfall of Ahaziah should come about through his going to visit Joram. For when he came there, he went out with Jehoram to meet Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab.
REFLECTION:
It is wise to seek others’ advice but it is even more important as to whom you seek advice from. Ahaziah had courtiers but he only wanted to hear slanderous talks. He only sought advice from wicked people so he also did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and brought destruction to himself. Reflect who do you go to when you need to seek for advice. Are they godly and faithful Christians? When we listen to others’ advice, don’t forget to follow God’s will. In fact, seeking God’s will is the wisest choice to make. Examine yourself with God’s word and follow the principles in the Bible to guide all your actions.
PRAYER:
Come before God in silence, examine yourself whether the people you often seek advice or listen to are pleasing to God or not. Ask God to help you not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; to give you a spiritual mentor and partner to guide you in your spiritual growth.
HYMN:
“Psalm 1” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5sFYvu6h-Y
