Prayer Journal
Thursday, October 12, 2000
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah joined forces with Ahab, the king of Israel. Together they planned a campaign to take some land back from a neighboring country called Aram. Now, it was common practice to ask prophets what they thought about the idea before heading off to conflict. So, about 400 prophets appeared before the king of Israel to say, "Go ahead, God is with you!"
Jehoshaphat, made a most interesting remark to Ahab upon hearing this revelation by the 400 prophets; "Is there not a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?" Right away, a man came to Ahab's mind though he tried to avoid it. A prophet named Micaiah had a reputation for accuracy, even though his prophecies often worked against king Ahab.
Ahab didn't like Micaiah for that reason, but he knew Micaiah would tell it like it was without question. So it is with men of integrity. You can tell a lot about a man's character by watching them under pressure. Some men get defensive and try to gain the best posture in order to impress those around them. But, the man of God has no concern for the effect of his words, rather he is only concerned about accuracy.
Micaiah was called before the king to give his opinion. Before he walked in see the king, he was advised to agree with the prophecy of the others - for his good and the good of the other prophets. Micaiah quickly demonstrated the depth of his uncompromising character; "But Micaiah said, 'As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.'" 1 Kings 22:14
So it is with a man of God. Even when their lives are on the line, they will still tell it like it is. Even though they may use sarcasm or ridicule in their delivery, they are steadfast, knowing their action most always results in their persecution. And , in Micaiah's case it did. The king was so displeased with Micaiah's prophecy, he ordered him thrown into prision until he returned from the conflict. He ignored Micaiah's warning.
In an attempt to prove he controlled his own destiny, Ahab proceeded to walk away, postoning Micaiah's judgment for his safe return from the conflict. Then, Micaiah in one last statement, made sure the king heard his words ringing in his ears as he walked away; "If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me." Then he added, 'Mark my words, all you people." If the king did manage to return safely, the people would have to stone Micaiah as a false prophet. That's called, "putting an exclamation point behind your uncompromising statement of faith"!
Just Thinkin.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
