1 Kings 22:1-53

It is part of human nature to hear what we want to hear and to say what we think others want us to say.  There are many times in our lives where we are more concerned about popularity than we are about truth.  That was certainly the case with Ahab and his 400 “prophets.”  The king of Israel had surrounded himself with men who would simply tell him what he wanted to hear and then claim that they had received a message from God.  Unfortunately, we have many people today who speak in the name of the Lord that simply go about telling people what they want to hear instead of proclaiming the truth of God’s Word.  Certainly a message of peace and prosperity is more popular than a message of repentance and judgment but our main concern should not be about the popularity of our message but the truth of our message.

AHAB REJOICES IN LIES: Ahab experienced a season of peace after his humiliation before the Lord.  However, he became proud and decided that he wanted to go to war with Syria and capture a city that had been taken from Israel.  He convinces Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, to go with him in battle but Jehoshaphat asks for Ahab to inquire of the Lord first.  Ahab brings 400 of his prophets together to tell him exactly what he wants to hear.  Jehoshaphat is very discerning and can clearly see that these are not prophets of the Lord and asks for a second opinion.  Ahab knows that the true prophet of the Lord will likely not agree with his “talking heads” but consents to call in Micaiah, the prophet of the Lord.  It is easy for us to try to manipulate circumstances, people and even God’s Word so that they well agree with what we want to hear.  God calls us to rejoice in the truth because it will ultimately set us free.  Unfortunately, we often prefer to listen to the lies that put us in bondage.

AHAB REJECTS THE TRUTH: When Micaiah is called he is already told just what he is expected to say.  However, he makes it clear that he will only speak the truth in the name of the Lord.  When he is brought before the king he makes an obviously sarcastic remark that is in agreement with the other 400 prophets but then makes it clear that Ahab will be killed if he goes into battle.  He also gives clear insight as to how the Lord was using the false prophets to bring about his judgment on Ahab.  This is not a popular message, but it is the truth.  Michaiah ends up being thrown into prison and is given bread and water to drink; but his message was true.  The Lord expects us to speak the truth no matter what the consequences might be.  We may suffer for doing this but God will reward us for being faithful to Him and His Word. 

AHAB RECEIVES GOD’S WRATH: Ahab disguises himself in an attempt to hide from the wrath of God, but his actions are an exercise in futility.  A soldier of Syria shoots an arrow at random and Ahab is shot in the chink of this armor.  It is very clear that this is the hand of God guiding this arrow.  Ahab is killed and his blood is spilled in the exact spot where Elijah said it would be spilled when he had taken the vineyard from Naboth.  People can ignore the Word of God, try to manipulate the will of God but they will not be able to escape from the wrath of God.  It is a very dangerous game to try to hide from the Lord and live in disobedience to Him.  We must learn to listen to and obey the Word of God no matter how much that may conflict with our own personal desires.

JEHOSHAPHAT REIGNS FOR GOD: Jehoshaphat was the target in the battle, but his life was spared because he feared the Lord and lived to serve the Lord.  He continued the reforms that his father had started in Judah and was one of the few kings in Israel who not only started well, but finished well.  God is always looking for men who will trust Him, listen to His Word and serve Him faithfully.  We can be assured that our lives will be much more fulfilling and profitable in light of eternity if we follow this path instead of the path of popularity that the world is trying to sell us.