1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18
In First Kings 22 and in Second Chronicles 18 we find the same account of evil King Ahab considering going to war against Ramoth Gilead. He asked about 400 prophets what he should do and they all said to go victoriously to war. When encouraged by King Jehoshaphat of Judah to ask a prophet closer to the matter about this, King Ahab’s response is found in First Kings 22:8. He says, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” Now remember, it is said of evil King Ahab from First Kings 21:25-26, “There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.” It is no wonder the true prophet of God never had anything good to prophesy, but always bad!
It is noteworthy that King Ahab avoided the truth because he deemed it as bad. Instead, he listened to the 400 voices that told him what he wanted to hear. King Rehoboam did the same thing in First Kings chapter 12. Instead of listening to the advice of the elders, who gave advice he did not want to hear, he followed the advice of his peers. He followed what he wanted rather than what was best for him.
It would be easy to look at these kings and heap ridicule upon them in judgment. However, it might be beneficial to consider our own ways. How often do we gravitate toward people who affirm our immorality, rather than seeking the truth of God? How often do we lean into confirmation bias, rather than seeking godly ways of thinking about a matter? The book of Proverbs consistently supports the idea of seeking wise counsel. Consider Proverbs 1:5, “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance”. Also, Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” Clearly, God desires that we would listen to the voices that speak His wisdom into our lives, even if we don’t want to hear it.
One more thing to consider today. Sometimes we are the ones who need to hear something from God, even when we don’t want to hear it. However, sometimes we are the Micaiah’s who have something to say that someone else may not want to hear. Progress in these situations slowly, discerning God’s wisdom to speak in love. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” The words we speak must be spoken in love. Our goal of speaking should be for us to grow into Christ together.
Listen to God’s Word, especially if you don’t want to hear it. Speak to others in love, especially when they might not want to hear God’s Word.
-Michael Cisler
Reflection Questions
How can you actively seek godly voices in your life?
What does it mean to speak the truth in love? What does each element (truth and love) entail?
When is the right time to speak and when is the right time to be quiet?
Seek Grow Love 