The Lamp That Never Goes Out

This passage deals with the tragic consequences that began when Jehoshaphat, king of the southern kingdom of Judah, took a princess of the wicked northern kingdom of Israel as his daughter-in-law for the sake of a political alliance. He was overconfident that his own firm faith would keep him free from evil influence, but that choice led in the end to his son's corruption and to a crisis for the dynasty of David. It shows that sin does not begin with a resolve to do evil from the start, but with compromising and allowing it ourselves in the midst of conflict.

Once we set foot in the swamp of sin it becomes hard to get out, and the passage warns that one person's choice can bring deadly consequences on their descendants and community. But even amid human failure and the attacks of evil powers, God faithfully kept his covenant with David and secretly protected one life, Joash. This means that God's promise is far stronger than human mistakes or Satan's schemes, and it becomes hope for those who keep the faith to the end.

When we cannot tell whether our choices now are right, can we remember the final day of judgment and look at them objectively? And are we keeping an earnest heart that does not forget the pain and regret that follow sin, so that we can make right judgments?