1 Kings 22 Devotional

One True Voice Among Many

“But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.””1 Kings 22:14 (BSB)

Four hundred prophets tell Ahab exactly what he wants to hear: go up to Ramoth-gilead and win (22:6). Ahab admits there is one more, Micaiah, whom he hates because his messages are never favorable (22:7-8). The messenger urges Micaiah to agree with the others, but he answers that his message will come from the LORD alone (22:13-14).

Pressed for the truth, he sees Israel scattered and leaderless, and the LORD on his throne sending a lying spirit into the mouths of Ahab's prophets because disaster has been decreed against him (22:17-23). It is a hard vision, yet even here Ahab is told the truth to his face. He jails Micaiah and disguises himself for battle. Then an arrow shot at random finds a gap in Ahab's armor (22:34). The dogs lick his blood, as the LORD had said (22:38; 21:19). Paul warned of people who would collect teachers to tell them what they wanted to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). God's word does not bend to a crowd, and you can welcome the word that does not flatter you.

To think about: Where are you tempted to seek out voices that agree with you, rather than the word of God that may challenge you?