READING: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: King Ahab of Israel sought the help of King Jehoshaphat to subdue Ramoth-Gilead, and Ahab’s 400 prophets assured him of victory in that battle. Jehoshaphat, though, was not convinced and sought counsel from a prophet of Yahweh named Micaiah. A messenger sent to Micaiah told him to repeat the positive words of the other prophets. His response was simple and clear:
1 Kgs. 22:14 (also 2 Chron. 18:13) “As the Lord lives, I will say whatever the Lord says to me.”
Assumed in these words are several underlying thoughts:
- The Lord speaks to His people.
- It is possible to know what the Lord wants us to say.
- It is also possible to ignore what the Lord says and say something else — especially, as in this case, when the pressure of the king’s messenger challenges the speaker to give a particular message.
- Sometimes we are seriously outnumbered by the wrong voices.
- Sometimes our speaking the truth of God’s Word is not popular (Zedekiah struck Micaiah, and the king imprisoned Micaiah).
- God’s Word always comes true. What Micaiah said would happen did happen.
In a culture that is continually rebelling against God, it is imperative that His people know His Word, stand on His Word, and speak His Word. Regardless of the number of people who speak more loudly, we have no option but to speak only whatever the Lord says. His Word will always be true.
PRAYER: Pray that believers will not succumb to the voices of culture — including religious “prophets” who proclaim what is seemingly a more popular message. Pray that those of us who teach His Word will always have spiritual backbone.
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Chronicles 19-23
