Day 171

1 Kings 22:1-53; Acts 13:16-41; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 17:17-18

IN 1 KINGS TODAY, we read of a royal meeting between Israel’s king Ahab, Judah’s king Jehoshaphat, and the relatively obscure prophet Micaiah. Jehoshaphat —who followed God —had been visiting the northern kingdom when Ahab asked if Judah would assist him in retaking the city of Ramoth-gilead, which had been previously lost in battle to the Arameans. Jehoshaphat agreed, but only if they first consulted God on the matter.

Ahab brought in four hundred prophets and inquired whether the battle should be pursued. They were all in agreement: “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory” (1 Kings 22:6). But Jehoshaphat was not convinced. Worship in the northern kingdom included many gods, and Jehoshaphat wanted a genuine prophet of Yahweh.

Micaiah was summoned and at his briefing was told, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success” (1 Kings 22:13).

When Micaiah came before the two kings and the affirming prophets, he sarcastically prophesied victory, but King Ahab read his sarcasm and invited him to speak truthfully.

“In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd,” Micaiah said. “And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace’” (1 Kings 22:17).

Despite this prophecy, Ahab and Jehoshaphat went into battle —and Ahab was killed.

Micaiah had to stand before two kings, their entourages, and his fellow prophets and refute what they were saying with sobering news. But Micaiah wasn’t sent to appease those around him. He was sent to tell the truth, and after he spoke it, the proverbial ball was in the court of the hearer. Micaiah gave King Ahab words from the Lord that would have saved his life had he listened.

In many circumstances, we may find ourselves wearing the same shoes as Micaiah. It’s always difficult to be the only one standing against the crowd. In that space, we may feel the seduction of appeasement, the mockery of dissenters, or the anger of authority. But speaking the truth in humility is always the best choice. We may be the only warning a person gets. And whether we’re listened to is not the point —that would be bringing our own baggage into the mix. The point is that we are willing to humbly speak the truth. May we heed this example and “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

MEDITATION:

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.