2 Chronicles 18:6-7 "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? (7) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."
We continue our study of Jehoshaphat. The Lord had blessed him tremendously in
every way. Ahab, king of Israel, asked him to come help them in a battle.
"And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go
with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people
as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war." (2 Chronicles 18:3)
Before they went into battle, Jehoshaphat asked King Ahab concerning prophets
that they may seek the Lord's guidance. Ahab called the prophets of Israel who
said, "Go into battle." This is when our text comes into the picture.
"Is there not here a prophet of the LORD?" Jehoshaphat knew the
prophets of Israel were men appointed rather than called of God. We read Ahab's
answer. "There is yet one man, but I hate him, for he never prophesied
good unto me."
I read Ahab's answer and I think, "Well, Ahab have you ever thought that
maybe your actions are contrary to God?" Why would Ahab hate the prophet
of God? It had to be that the king's actions were not in accordance to the law
of God and Micaiah would not sway from that law. Have you ever thought
that the preacher was "talking about me"? In reality, I should
be thankful when I feel the message pointed directly at me because that means
God still has a personal message for me. It may make me mad at the moment, but
if it is the message from the Lord then it is the message I need to hear.
When the Lord's prophet came to Ahab, he had a message to share. "Then he
said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no
shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore
every man to his house in peace. (17) And the king of Israel said
to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me,
but evil?" (2 Chronicles 18:16-17)
What was Ahab's response? - See? I told you! He never has anything good
to say to me! He said Israel will be as a flock of sheep without a
shepherd. What could that possibly mean? He was telling Ahab, "If you go
into battle, you will die." Ahab did not see it as a warning; rather
he saw it as the prophet only wanting to be contrary to him. He was determined
to go into that battle. He disguised himself so he would not be seen as the
king of Israel. During the battle, a soldier from the other army shot an arrow
into the air. It came down and struck Ahab. He died that day as the sun went
down.
When we might perceive the message from God to be contrary to us, we should
heed the warning. Ahab was told what would happen if he continued. He was
determined to have his own way. May we ever be receptive to the Word of God,
not only when it encourages us, but also when it warns us.