1 Kings 22
Today's Passage: 1 Kings 22
Sometimes, standing up for what is true means you might be standing alone. That was the case for Micaiah, one of the prophets during the reign of King Ahab, whose reputation preceded him (but not in a favorable way).
v. 8: “…I hate him, for he never prophecies good concerning me, but evil.”
What a predicament Micaiah finds himself in as every other inquired prophet in Israel told King Ahab what he wanted to hear. He speaks truth (v. 19-23), even though he speaks against every other esteemed person, including both kings, Ahab and Jehoshaphat.
Despite Micaiah’s plea that every other prophet was mistaken in their instruction to engage in battle with Syria (v. 23-24), the kings marched forward. After punishing Micaiah for his “ill-intentions” towards Ahab (v. 18, 25-27), Ahab found himself in a world of trouble for excusing away the prophecy from Micaiah. He was indeed correct, and Ahab fell in battle that day.
The last recorded words of Micaiah ring in the ears of those who heard them: “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me” (v. 26). The LORD did speak through him, the only true voice from the LORD who didn’t cave to pressure or bow to man’s approval.
Do you find yourself standing alone sometimes for truth? You’re in good company if you do. It is the duty of all Bible-believing Christians to stand on God’s Word, even if it means we stand alone.
A few things to consider:
Stand for truth. Do what God says over what man thinks. Even if it takes you to ‘prison’, it’s better to speak for truth and be ignored than to say nothing at all.
Written By: Drew Dukes
Sometimes, standing up for what is true means you might be standing alone. That was the case for Micaiah, one of the prophets during the reign of King Ahab, whose reputation preceded him (but not in a favorable way).
v. 8: “…I hate him, for he never prophecies good concerning me, but evil.”
What a predicament Micaiah finds himself in as every other inquired prophet in Israel told King Ahab what he wanted to hear. He speaks truth (v. 19-23), even though he speaks against every other esteemed person, including both kings, Ahab and Jehoshaphat.
Despite Micaiah’s plea that every other prophet was mistaken in their instruction to engage in battle with Syria (v. 23-24), the kings marched forward. After punishing Micaiah for his “ill-intentions” towards Ahab (v. 18, 25-27), Ahab found himself in a world of trouble for excusing away the prophecy from Micaiah. He was indeed correct, and Ahab fell in battle that day.
The last recorded words of Micaiah ring in the ears of those who heard them: “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me” (v. 26). The LORD did speak through him, the only true voice from the LORD who didn’t cave to pressure or bow to man’s approval.
Do you find yourself standing alone sometimes for truth? You’re in good company if you do. It is the duty of all Bible-believing Christians to stand on God’s Word, even if it means we stand alone.
A few things to consider:
1. You’re never really alone, even if you’re by yourself. The omnipresent God is with you wherever you are so that you are never really standing by yourself.
2. Sometimes it’s worth listening to the lone voice. Now, there is certainly wisdom in counsel that says the same thing, but if it’s motivated by fear of man or self-protection, maybe the lone ranger has the right idea. At least take it to the LORD and inquire of His word what is truth.
3. Suffering can come at the hands of obedience. We can never escape that doing the right thing sometimes leads us to a place of hardship. The good news is we have point #1 above to serve our souls well, even in times of suffering.
Stand for truth. Do what God says over what man thinks. Even if it takes you to ‘prison’, it’s better to speak for truth and be ignored than to say nothing at all.
Written By: Drew Dukes
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