DB

MICAIAH AND AHAB

2 Chron. 18:12-34

But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what my God says.” (13)

First, Micaiah the truthful prophet (12-27). The messenger advised Micaiah to agree with others who predicted success for the king. But Micaiah replied that he could only speak the truth. At first, he seemed to sarcastically agree with the false prophets but then he fearlessly told the truth to King Ahab. The king would surely die in battle and this would be a sign to everyone that Micaiah was a prophet of God. The king was angry and instead of thanking him for Bible study, he threw him in the jail.  Micaiah declared, “If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Mark my words, all you people!”  

As God’s servant I must speak the truth in love even when it is hard or costly. Also, I must receive the words of a servant of God well. I must maintain a humble learning mind especially when I hear what I don’t like to hear.

I failed to listen to godly counsel from my wife many times and suffered. I got angry instead of accepting the obvious truth. Lord, forgive me for my proud mind. Help me to have a humble learning mind before your word. Help me to love and respect my wife M Hannah, a woman of truth. Help me to listen well to godly counsel and also share your word with others out of much prayer and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Second, Ahab’s death (28-34). Ahab tried to avoid being killed by disguising himself but a random arrow hit him and he died the next morning. Ahab could not escape God’s word by his human smartness. In contrast, even though Jehoshaphat was dressed in his royal robes and was nearly killed, God spared his life. We live under the shadow of God's sovereign hand.

Lord, help me to depend on you for guidance and victory, not my smartness. Bless my new missionary life in Korea and my family in USA as they stay behind waiting and watching my progress. Lord, help me to pioneer my new missionary life as a teacher for Dream School and a Bible teacher/messenger for college students and coworkers at HangYang UBF. Help me to seek you and your counsel first in everything. Father, glorify your name in this unworthy servant and in our world mission family.

One Word: Listen to God’s word and live!