2 Chronicles 21: The Butterfly Effect

5. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.

6. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD.

◇ The "butterfly effect" refers to how a small change or minor event can lead to enormous and unforeseen consequences down the road.

Chapter 21 strikes me as the butterfly effect of Jehoshaphat's actions. Jehoshaphat, who succeeded his father Asa, was a king who sought God. He was the king who tore down the Baal and Asherah poles. He sent his officials and Levites throughout the land to teach the people the Law and help them live by it. Beyond that, he defeated neighboring nations, strengthened the nation's defenses, and brought prosperity to the kingdom. He even secured a smooth succession by designating his heir in advance, co-reigning with him for five years before transferring power. To his other sons, he gave abundant wealth and cities to govern.

Yet Jehoram, who succeeded Jehoshaphat as king, did a complete 180-degree turn once he seized power. He killed his brothers and worshiped idols like King Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel.

God gave Jehoram a chance because of the covenant with David. Through the prophet Elijah, God revealed his wrongdoing and offered him an opportunity to repent, a chance to turn back and seek God. But Jehoram failed to seize that opportunity.

Everything his father and grandfather had built up crumbled overnight. What had taken decades to establish was torn down in just eight years. The people did not mourn his death, and though he was buried in Jerusalem, they did not lay him in the royal tombs.

Where did all this begin?

We find the answer in verse 6: "for he married a daughter of Ahab." In 18:1, we're told that Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. His choice to solidify his wealth and honor led to the death of all his beloved sons, caused him to turn from God to idol worship, and brought his nation into crisis. And this isn't even the end of it. More evil awaits, considering what that daughter would go on to do.

The "butterfly effect"—we never know what ripple effects the small choices we make today might create in the future. We must not make choices based on immediate pleasure or gain. Instead, even when it's difficult or costly in the moment, we must make good and righteous choices, choices that align with God's will.

♧ Good and righteous God, help me to make right and good choices. Help me to truly know Your will. Holy Spirit, make me strong and courageous. Amen.