One theme that quietly runs through Scripture is the idea of blessing through association. Throughout the Bible, people often experience favour simply because of their connection to someone who walks closely with God.
- Laban benefited because of Jacob. In Genesis 30:27, he confessed, “I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.”
- Lot was spared because of Abraham. Genesis 19:29 records that when God judged the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham and rescued Lot from the catastrophe.
- Mephibosheth received kindness because of Jonathan. David said in 2Samuel 9:7, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake.”
- Potiphar prospered because of Joseph. Genesis 39:5 “The Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”
Scripture also presents the opposite pattern. Judgment can come through association as well.
- Achan’s entire family suffered because of his sin. Joshua 7:25 describes how all Israel executed judgment over the trouble he brought on the nation.
- Jehoshaphat’s fleet sank because of his alliance with Ahaziah. 2Chronicles 20:37 says, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.”
- Daniel’s accusers brought ruin on their households. In Daniel 6:24, the king commanded that the accusers, along with their families, be thrown to the lions.
- Korah’s rebellion swallowed not only him but also his entire household. Numbers 16:32 states that the earth opened its mouth and consumed them.
These stories feel clear at first glance.
Joseph was a righteous man. Daniel’s accusers were wicked.
The lesson becomes more challenging when the person involved seems godly. Jonah was a prophet with a divine calling, yet his disobedience placed every passenger on the ship in danger. Their journey ended in loss because they unknowingly aligned themselves with someone running from God. Jonah 1:4-5
Proximity to a believer who is walking outside God’s will can bring unnecessary storms, losses and disruptions. In the same way, proximity to those walking in obedience can position you for favour that you did not work for.
It is not enough to associate with a believer; are they in God’s will?
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