We left 2 Chronicles where Solomon dedicates God’s house in such a triumphant way, and now we move quickly to the kingdoms being split and kings being waylaid by other gods.

We pass through a few kings until we get to the infamous King Ahab (married to Jezebel) who is keen to go to war against Syria. So he asks Judah’s King, the God-fearing Jehosophat, to come with him.

They are in Ahab’s territory, so when Jehosophat asks to consult the Lord, Ahab assembles his 400 priests. They all say “Go” – but Jehosophat insists on a prophet of the Lord. Ahab unwillingly brings in Micaiah, who is told to agree with the others.

Anyway, Micaiah tells Ahab to go – and then tells him he will die there * Jehosophat still decides to go along, and Ahab tricks him again by telling him to dress in his Kingly garb so that he is killed. Meanwhile Ahab hides up the back in an ordinary soldier’s outfit.

God saves Jehosophat, but when he returns home he is told he will pay for it and he soon does – he is attacked by three huge armies.

Jehosophat, keen to make amends, “:feared, and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah…”

So he and Judah are rescued, and Jehosophat lives out his days peacefully.

Dear God, I have made many mistakes, indeed have become fearful of my mistake-making. Please help me when I realise I have done wrong, to do as Jehosophat did and seek you first. Please forgive me the multitude of my sins in the past few days. Please show me how to follow your path and remind me to always remember that you have given me grace and forgiveness through Jesus, so while I should still be in awe of you, and worship you, I am forgiven when I do not. You are great, my Father, please help me love you more. In Jesus’ name, Amen