“Standing for the Lord”

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

And Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak." (2 Chronicles 18:13)

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah had allied himself with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. Jehoshaphat had agreed to go to war with Ahab against Ramoth-Gilead. However, they must first inquire of the Lord.

Thus, the scene is set. Two kings dressed in royal garb were assembled with 400 prophets at the gate of Samaria. The king of Israel inquires, “Shall we go up against Ramoth-Gilead?” In unison all of the prophets said “go up”. However, Jehoshaphat would not be satisfied until he inquired of the prophet of the Lord.

Micaiah, of Imla had an unfavorable reputation with Ahab.  He never prophesied favorably.  However, Micaiah is charged with a Divine message, and he will faithfully deliver it regardless of the consequences.

Had numbers been a test of truth, Micaiah would have been wrong.  However, truth cannot be put to a vote. It is not determined by a majority. God alone determines what is true.  And, anyone with God on their side is in the majority.

The 400 false prophets declared what the greedy King wanted to hear, thus they prophesied “good” in his behalf.  If Micaiah had known what was best he would have taken his cue from them. However, Micaiah was not in the business of pleasing men, but God. Therefore, he would deliver what is truly “good” for them: the truth of God.

Micaiah displays an amazing courage. His feet are firmly planted on the rock of Truth. Though threatened with the bread of affliction, he remains true to his duty to faithfully proclaim God's will.

Who will stand on God’s side today? Who will join the ranks of Elijah, Jeremiah, John, the Baptist, Stephen, Paul, Micaiah, and other men and women of faith?  We can afford to be scorned by men, and if we are honored by God.

By George Slover 

 

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