Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

28 June 2024

Reading From I Kings 22, II Chronicles 18

“So the king of Israel summoned the prophets, about 400 of them, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?”

They all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory.”

But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the Lord here? We should ask him the same question.”

The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the Lord for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.”

Jehoshaphat replied, “That’s not the way a king should talk! Let’s hear what he has to say.”

So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Quick! Bring Micaiah son of Imlah.”

Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.”

But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what the Lord tells me to say.”

When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we hold back?”

Micaiah replied sarcastically, “Yes, go up and be victorious, for the Lord will give the king victory!”

But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?”

Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’” –I Kings 22:6-9, 13-17

     It is hilarious to me that Ahab complained about Micaiah prophesying “nothing but trouble” for the king.  What else does Ahab expect?  From the conversation between Ahab and Jehoshaphat I gather that the four hundred prophets that Ahab consulted were not even prophets of Yahweh!  Isn’t that poetic and so like those who entrench themselves in rebellion against God.  They listen only to voices that will agree with and encourage the satisfaction of their defiant and sinful desires and hate anyone who tries to guide them to truth. 

     Trouble is the natural consequence of sin, but unbelievers and even many believers bristle at being told they’re wrong.  Speaking the truth in love requires great courage, but it is so desperately needed in the life of anyone seeking to live a life that honors God.  None of us are perfect and there are times when we all need correction, even discipline.  This is not a popular teaching, but a necessary one.

     I smirked a little when Micaiah answered the kings sarcastically.  There are times when I have some sass and from this story I kind of feel validated that perhaps there is a time and place where a little cheekiness is useful, even needed.  However, I should be reminded to have moderation in all things and that cheek can be misunderstood as impertinence, which is not my intention.  Therefore, to avoid the appearance of maliciousness and evil, it’s best to use sarcasm sparingly. 

     Prophecies given through Elijah and Micaiah are fulfilled and trouble catches up with King Ahab.  The kings of Israel and Judah do not heed Micaiah’s warning and the battle ends in death for Ahab and defeat for the armies.  It is vital that those God has anointed to share His love and message with those who are lost speak the truth in love.  As kings and queens, priests and priestesses of Almighty God, we must be very careful to faithfully minister the Word of God and not shy away from controversial subjects or speak only what people  want to hear. 

“Yahweh, please bless Your sons and daughters with the courage necessary to boldly declare Your Word to those around us.  Give us the words to say and the wisdom to know when and how to say them.  I pray that You would soften hearts of those we minister Your truth to.  Let love and kindness guide what we say and do.  Remove any fear of men and women or reputation.  Help us to value Your appraisal of us and not worry what others think so long as we are being true to You.  In the Name of the matchless King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Amen.”

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts.

–II Timothy 4:3

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

–Ephesians 4:15

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.

–Matthew 10:16

Anyone who loves correction loves knowledge.
    Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.

–Proverbs 12:1