Death By Hanging out

Death By Hanging Out 

II Kings 9:27-29 NKJV

[27] But when Ahaziah king of Judah saw this, he fled by the road to Beth Haggan. So Jehu pursued him, and said, “Shoot him also in the chariot.” And they shot him at the Ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. Then he fled to Megiddo, and died there. [28] And his servants carried him in the chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the City of David. [29] In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, Ahaziah had become king over Judah. 

In September,2020, Dub McClish asked a question whether the Bible teaches guilt by association. The question arose because of Barack Obama's association with Pastor Jeremiah Wright's Chicago congregation. This is McClish, " Is there such a thing as “guilt by association”? Some brethren have for years answered with a firm “No,” denying any Scriptural basis for it and classifying it as unfair, prejudicial, and unjustified. Others have just as boldly and staunchly replied, “Yes,” arguing that the Scriptures teach the principle, both explicitly and implicitly".  Whatever your position on the discourse, Ahaziah, King of Judah would not have died when he did except for his association with Joram, King of Israel. He was just hanging out.

   The Bible is very clear on instructions on who you associate with. 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with wise men will be wise,

But the companion of fools will suffer harm". Well, Ahaziah suffered harm which led to his death.

   Who are your friends? Who do you associate with? Surdashan Vig explains the psychology. " Perception by Association is the sub-conscious judgement on individuals based on whom they are socially associated with, or in English, "hang out" with". Here's ChinyereDistinguish in a blog post. " A friend is someone you should consciously choose because your choice of friends can make or mar you. A popular adage says, “show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” Friends are bonded by similar interests and belief and just before you argue that you are different from your friends, read 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”(NIV). The bible makes it clear that we can’t possibly live better than the friends or company we keep. And Proverbs 27:17 throws some light on what friends do for each other – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (NIV). Think twice about the friends you hang out with. Don't die by hanging out. Good morning.