Calling and Purpose 54—Micaiah Speaks Truth to Power
Typically, church sermons focused on 1 Kings 20-22 tell the stories of the prophet Elijah. But, during his time, there were others—faithful to God—who carried the Lord’s messages to the leaders and people of Israel and Judah. In I Kings 22 (and 2 Chronicles 18), we meet one such prophet: Micaiah.
As the scene opens, we find Ahab, King of Israel, asking Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, to join him in fighting Aram. Jehoshaphat—of whom it says later in the chapter “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord”--cautions Ahab to: “First seek the counsel of the Lord” before proceeding on such a potentially dangerous mission.
Ahab consults 400 “prophets” who say “go”, fight and the Lord will grant success, but Jehoshaphat is keen on consulting “a prophet of the Lord”—apparently pointing to a distinction between these two categories of prophets and/or showing Jehoshaphat’s God-given discernment. Ahab’s response: “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.” In spite of this, Ahab calls this one prophet, named Micaiah, to prophesy. “The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, ‘Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.’” “But Micaiah said, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.’”
The overwhelming message is “go ahead”—why would anyone (Jehoshaphat) doubt 400 voices and seek one (Micaiah)? Why would anyone (Michaiah) go against the predominant (without exception) message of success for the king? Most likely for both men, known as faithful to the Lord, it was a sense of unease in their spirits. They both seem wise and discerning. Both are willing to wait on the Lord for His message. Neither is swayed by the prevailing winds nor intense political pressure to the contrary.
The prophet Micaiah boldly speaks of Israel as “scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd” and that a “deceiving spirit in the mouths of all” Ahab’s prophets enticed Ahab to pursue the war with Aram. His counsel is don’t do it, don’t go to war, the Lord’s blessing isn’t in it.
Micaiah is slapped in the face for this, imprisoned, and fed nothing but bread and water, while Ahab proceeds into combat, expecting to return safely. Just as he’s led away, Micaiah declared, “If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me.” Just as predicted, Ahab is killed in battle.
Reflect:
· Recall a time when you felt a clear sense of unease with a group’s plan of action. Were you able to remind the group to seek wise counsel or “first seek the counsel of the Lord” before proceeding? Did they listen to you? What was the outcome?
· Have you ever been in a position where you had clarity of direction or purpose but everyone else in your group disagreed with your position? Are you more likely to hold your ground or be swayed by the popular opinion?
· Do you have the gift of prophecy? Is your delivery of God’s words always received as bad news? Read 1 Corinthians 13—which refers to how gifts are to be exercised. Is it possible that your delivery lacks love for the recipients?
· Do you have the gift of discernment? How are you making use of this gift to seek God for clarity and to offer warning to another?
· What if you knew delivering God’s message would result in punishment for you? Would you still speak boldly?
Read 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18 for these stories.
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Equipping Ministries Director at her church since 1999.
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