Read 1 Kings 21
Highlights:
Jezebel murders Naboth to satisfy Ahab's coveting a poor man's vineyard; Elijah foretells the death of Ahab and Jezebel (I Kin. 21:17-24) and it comes to pass (22:37-38; II Kin. 9:30-37). Jehoshaphat does right in the eyes of the Lord. . . . the sodomites . . . he took out of the land (22:43,46).
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, joined affinity (allied himself through marriage) with Ahab (II Chr. 18:1; II Kin. 8:18). In the third year of Israel's peace with Syria, Ahab entertained Jehoshaphat with royal hospitality and then took advantage of the occasion to persuade him to combine their military forces against the growing power of Syria. When war appeared imminent, Ahab called all 400 of his prophets, but none from the True God, for counsel. They unanimously declared in favor of going to war and assured the two kings that they would be victorious. But godly Jehoshaphat, having an uneasy feeling with the unanimous decision while facing such a grave crisis, asked for prophets of God to be called. Ahab told him: There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him (I Kin. 22:8).
Ahab sent the messengers to get Micaiah. The messengers attempted to persuade Micaiah to agree with the false prophets and assured him that by doing so he would win the king's favor and be released from prison. But neither fears nor favors tempted Micaiah to betray his calling. He refused to be intimidated even by the presence of two kings and Ahab's 400 "experts." Micaiah's one vote of opposition was rejected by Ahab who fulfilled the very prophecy proclaimed by Micaiah. There were 400 "Yes" votes to 1 "No" vote — a miserable minority, but truth is seldom with the majority. Though he was slapped, dragged back to prison, and threatened with cruel treatment, faithful Micaiah persisted in maintaining the truthfulness of his message and called upon the people to bear witness to it (22:27-28).
When one is aware of it, the presence of God will transform a dungeon into a palace. I saw the Lord was the response of this lonely prophet (22:19). A revelation from the Lord revealed the shallowness of earthly greatness. Many have sacrificed Truth and good conscience for popular opinion or earthly treasures. Micaiah chose to wait for future, eternal rewards.
We admire the Apostle Paul who said: None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
Thought for Today:
(For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me towards the Gentiles) (Gal. 2:8).
Christ Portrayed:
By Micaiah, who would say only what God instructed him to say (I Kin. 22:14). Jesus faithfully told others only what God told Him to say. Then said Jesus unto them . . . I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28; 12:49-50).
Word Studies:
21:27 softly sadly, subdued; 22:3 be still to nothing; 22:11 push bore; 22:13 with one mouth unanimously; 22:16 adjure thee but you under oath; 22:34 at a venture without specific aim; harness armor; 22:48 broken brecked.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Dan Benishek (MI) and Rep. Bobby Scott (VA) • Ecuador (13 million) in South America, crossed by the equator • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Offering praise and thanks to God is a sacrifice pleasing to Him (Heb. 13:15).
Optional Reading: Romans 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:12
