by Brad Boyles
Would you rather be a well-liked king or a ridiculed prophet? In a bizarre revelation, God asks for a lying, deceitful spirit to go an entice Ahab to fall at Ramoth-gilead. Why was Ramoth-gilead important to Ahab and Israel? First, it was a Levitical city, so it had important ties to Jewish history. During King Solomon’s time it was a key administrative center for the kingdom. It also served as a powerful military stronghold. So why a deceitful spirit? Is this a demon, or Satan? We definitely know that the spirit is influenced by the power of Satan. It’s also safe to assume that the 400 prophets have been deceived by the same power. Why would God allow such a thing? I believe there are many reasons.
- Ahab was given every opportunity to repent. He was told prophetically what would happen if he went to war.
- Even though God allows sin, He doesn’t leave us without a compass. Ahab made a choice to refuse the truth and only wanted to be affirmed on his own sinful path.
- Ahab had surrounded himself with false idols. This goes to show us how such an act can begin to harden our hearts to God’s truth.
I think we need to take an honest look at both Micaiah and Ahab and do a self-assessment. So, I return to the question I first asked. Would you rather be a well-liked king or a ridiculed prophet? How am I like Ahab?
- Do I indulge in decisions I know are wrong and justify it by the fact that I’m not as bad as the next person?
- Do I go to people who I know will agree with me when I’m seeking an opinion to a critical decision?
- Do I listen to those who truthfully oppose me, or do I seek to embarrass them and discredit their opinion?
How am I like Micaiah?
- Am I a people pleaser, or do I stand up for truth even when it means I will suffer because of it?
- Do I draw strength from the Lord in order to speak what He desires instead of compromising the on the message He has given me?
These are tough questions, but they lead us to think deeply about our actions. We need to understand that Jesus asks us to be loyal in giving everything we have to His purposes. Lord, help us to joyfully accept the role of being ridiculed for your glory!