S) "12 Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, 'Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them and speak favorably.' 13 But Micaiah said, 'As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak.'"
2 Chronicles 18:12-13 (NASB)
O) These verses mirror 1 Kings 22:13-14, almost verbatim. The good king of Judah had an alliance with the evil king of Israel. They were about to go to war together, and Ahab gathered 400 (false) prophets to speak victory for their campaign. Jehoshaphat insisted they inquire of the LORD, so they sent for Micaiah. The evil King Ahab knew Micaiah would speak against him, there was apparently much precedent (v.7). Given that context, that back story, it should be no surprise that Micaiah was again willing to only speak what he actually heard from God. He did give a sarcastic response to te kings, but they apparently knew his reply was not genuine (v.15). In the end, this sarcastic prophet remained faithful to his calling, speaking the word of God with truth, even in the face of tremendous opposition.
A) As far as I can tell, this was the first biblical prophet we know to be imprisoned for his faithfulness. Others were certainly persecuted (like Elijah fleeing Jezebel), but the implication in this story is that Micaiah was already in custody, and he was told in no uncertain terms to acquiesce to the king's desire. Declaring the plain truth of God's word was certainly no way to earn his release. The way this story applies to my modern culture is alarming. At this point, Christianity is not illegal, but some of the truth of the Bible is already becoming quite obtuse, to the direction the culture is headed. Speaking the truth of God, now, will easily find me facing hundreds of opposing voices. The example of Micaiah encourages me. Speaking God's truth will be counter-cultural. As a disciple of Christ, I must be glad to feel that persecution. If they persecuted my Master, I should expect they'll persecute me. It's hard, because there is a big shift happening right now. The culture here used to be much more agreeable to the Word. But now, there's a shift dramatically away from that. Above all, I need to hold fast to the word of God, hold fast to the faith I profess, hold fast to Christ.
P) Father, thank You for the grace that I have Your words in authority and authenticity in the Bible. Thank You for capturing my heart with the reality of Yoyr love, and the reality of Your Way. Let me remain faithful to Your words. Let me find strength, comfort, and courage in You. Your words never change. Even in the most confrontational situations, I know that You will be with me, as I am with You. You are faithful to sustain me, as I cling to You. Thank You for being with me, even if everyone else is against me. Let Your will be done in my life, even if the culture around me abandons You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) As far as I can tell, this was the first biblical prophet we know to be imprisoned for his faithfulness. Others were certainly persecuted (like Elijah fleeing Jezebel), but the implication in this story is that Micaiah was already in custody, and he was told in no uncertain terms to acquiesce to the king's desire. Declaring the plain truth of God's word was certainly no way to earn his release. The way this story applies to my modern culture is alarming. At this point, Christianity is not illegal, but some of the truth of the Bible is already becoming quite obtuse, to the direction the culture is headed. Speaking the truth of God, now, will easily find me facing hundreds of opposing voices. The example of Micaiah encourages me. Speaking God's truth will be counter-cultural. As a disciple of Christ, I must be glad to feel that persecution. If they persecuted my Master, I should expect they'll persecute me. It's hard, because there is a big shift happening right now. The culture here used to be much more agreeable to the Word. But now, there's a shift dramatically away from that. Above all, I need to hold fast to the word of God, hold fast to the faith I profess, hold fast to Christ.
P) Father, thank You for the grace that I have Your words in authority and authenticity in the Bible. Thank You for capturing my heart with the reality of Yoyr love, and the reality of Your Way. Let me remain faithful to Your words. Let me find strength, comfort, and courage in You. Your words never change. Even in the most confrontational situations, I know that You will be with me, as I am with You. You are faithful to sustain me, as I cling to You. Thank You for being with me, even if everyone else is against me. Let Your will be done in my life, even if the culture around me abandons You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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