It is very unpopular not to agree with the majority, no matter what the subject of discussion is. But God said that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. So, doesn’t it make sense that, knowing all about the future and the ones who will be impacted by our decisions, that God’s decision might be different to popular belief? But who will take that stance with God? Will you?
DATE POSTED Monday, 2022-11-14
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Kings 22:7-8; 13-14;
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)
BIBLE TEXT: 7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the Lord here? We should ask him the same question.” 8 The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the Lord for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” Jehoshaphat replied, “That’s not the way a king should talk! Let’s hear what he has to say.” 13 Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.” 14 But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what the Lord tells me to say.”
APPLICATION: We often criticize politicians, because they try to please all their constituents all the time. On the other hand, pastors are often accused of forming cliques when they spend more time with one group of church members than the others. Friends, I believe it is a fact that we can’t please all of the people all of the time, especially if we are listening to the voice of God and desiring of being obedient to His will for our lives. Micaiah was much like the latter, for he was determined to be obedient to the voice of God, no matter whose presence he was in, and what the outcome of his frankness might be. King Jehoshaphat quickly sensed that his ally, king Ahab had a group of ‘yes men’ that he called prophets, for they aimed to please their king, even if it involved telling untruths. A lot can be attributed to the request by king Jehoshaphat to bring a prophet of the Lord into the mix of advice the two kings would receive for their final decision. I believe that even today, true men of God are considered trustworthy, and as a representative of the one true God, their word can be trusted. If you consider yourself a man of God and yet cave in to agree with popular belief vs the voice of God, then I would encourage you to repent, and as God for strength to consistently consult with Him on your decisions and be faithful to carry out the decision you feel God has given to you. Micaiah shows us that he was not after a popularity contest with the other prophets of the king’s court. Based on what the king said to Jehoshaphat and Macaiah’s initial response to the king, it is obvious that Micaiah was more set on being a sold-out agent of the King of all kings, and in no way to reflect one who would appease king Ahab, with hopes of becoming his best prophet. In fact, Micaiah was more determined to be God’s best prophet than anything else, even if it meant imprisonment, or possibly, severe beatings from Ahab. Being the odd man out, often results in having to explain your reasoning for your decision, and it may lead to demotions or discipline. But who is it that wins in your earthly battles? The earthly man in charge, or the Heavenly Master who created you and provided a sacrifice for your redemption and heavenly future? What must you surrender today, so that you may freely say what God tells you to say? You must decide, dear friend! You will be counted by God as ‘for Him’ or ‘against Him’.
BLESSING(S) NOTED: It’s better to say what God tells you to, than look for man’s applause in appeasing him. Better is one day in the courts of our Master, than a lifetime of regret and disobedience for our earthly masters.
PRAYER: Lord, please speak to Your children today. In line with our Scripture, I pray that You will cause us to reflect on who our true Master is? Please help us to always honor and please You, even if it is bad news for our earthly masters and bosses. We may be unpopular here, and never receive the renumeration or promotions that we deserve, because of our stance as a believer in Jesus Christ. But because heaven is our eternal goal, we need Your encouragement and guidance, Lord, to live like we are Yours even while here on earth. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your sacrifice and for not giving in to the wishes of your accusers. They saw something different about You, and I pray that they will also see something different about us – children of the Great I Am. AMEN!