If I say, “Micaiah,” what comes to your mind? Nothing you say? Well good. But, I hope you never say that again after you read this post.
Let’s just start with: Incredible Bravery. Immovable Faith. Courageous Obedience. In Your Face Truth-Teller. God Connected. And Ready To Die. You know, just mere conversation starters.
The prophet Micaiah has blown me away every time I read the accounts about him in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18.
Prophets and Kings
So let me remind you of the bad dudes in this Old Testament scene which ties in so well with us today. The players of the story were two kings. God said about King Ahab, the king of Israel, “he did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him.” Really bad dude player number One.
King number two, was Jehoshaphat. He mostly followed God.
But more than just the kings, there were, (drum-roll please)…400, yes, you heard me, 400 really bad dude prophets who were puppets of Ahab.
With prophets like those, who needs enemies?
God or gods?
The prophets who survived in Ahab’s day lived in a culture dedicated to gods opposed to the One True God. Ahab purposefully led his nation and its people in the other direction, away from God. In fact, Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, (yup, that Jezebel) actually incited Ahab to evil. Theirs was not a match made in heaven.
A marriage alliance between Israel’s King Ahab and Judah’s King Jehoshaphat brought two different leaders together. The two kings planned to join forces in war.
Four hundred godless prophets assured the Royals, “Go up, for the Lord will give Syria into the hand of the king.”
King Jehoshaphat asked, “Isn’t there a prophet of the Lord we can ask?”
Enter Micaiah, one prophet alone with a heart for God.
Sometimes we can’t help but feel small in a world which seems to challenge God’s Word and those who hold to its truth. Logic, common sense, right and wrong twist into strands difficult to separate. Uncertain about where all the craziness will end, we wonder, is God truly in control? Does He continue to speak? Is His Word still valid and true in an untethered culture? Does God see the dot on the map with my name on it?
“Ugggg,” answered Ahab to Jehoshaphat. (My emphasis to the text found in 1 Kings 22:8) “There is one, Micaiah, but I hate him, he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.”Does God see the dot on the map with my name on it? Click To Tweet
Where do we fit?
So, here we have a bit of our world today. To put our stake down with the Word of God as our authority is not popular. It brings accusations of hatred, judgement, and well…stupidity.
Like 400 prophets afraid to go against the king, it’s so much easier to just stay out of the fray, play it safe, and go along with the crowd.
King Ahab preferred to hear falsehood rather than be saved from destruction.
As I read these passages, I found myself thankful for the prophet Micaiah, and those Micaiah’s of today with Incredible Bravery, Immovable Faith, Courageous Obedience, In Your Face Truth Tellers, God Connected, And Ready To Die for Jesus followers.
Pressured to say what the king wanted to hear, Micaiah chose to say what God wanted him to say.
“As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak,” Micaiah answered. (1 Kings 22:14)
Like Micaiah, an insignificant, almost unknown figure, we don’t see the heavenly battle behind our affairs. But God sees the entire panorama. He is the Warrior who fights our battles.
I hope you take the time to read about the big picture in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. It’s a great story to share with children and grands.
Neither Israel’s king nor Judah’s king nor any other past, present or future king reigns higher than GOD THE KING.
Today’s World
What if 399 prophets stood with Ahab? How much different it would have been if just one prophet stepped apart and stood with Micaiah. Together they would have strengthened each other.
In today’s world and our tiny short insignificant places in it, may God grant we live like Micaiah. May we not choose easy above right.
Have you found yourself needing to stand strong but alone for God? Maybe you’ve experienced a time when you’ve had to live with incredible bravery, immovable faith, courageous obedience, truth, God connected, or even been ready to die for Him. Share some of your experiences.
Mark & Joyce Ranney
We like thinking of being ready to stand firm in CHRIST.
I ponder, Why would I stand firm? There is no reason to think that I”m ready other than what “GOD ALMIGHTY” has spoken! For it is the “GREAT I AM that I AM” is only able to keep us in “HIS” hands!! Only “HE” has the power we need to stand firm. i am completely unable to stand, But “GOD, IS !!!
FATHER in Heaven, (“search me”) you know my thought’s, my way’s & lead me by YOUR strength to be a MICAIAH… Amen
Thank you Sylvia
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you for those thoughts, Mark. You’re right, only He has the power we need to stand firm. I’m so very grateful He cares so much for us that He is merciful and grant strength when we need it. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Katherine Pasour
“May we not choose easy above right.” That’s profound, Sylvia. And you’ve shared Micaiah’s story of standing up for right–standing up for the LORD. We all face these situations to some degree if we are Christians. You’ve inspired us to stand up for God.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Katherine. It is often difficult to stand up for God. But, I pray we can do so with grace and humility. Thanks so much Katherine.
Nancy E. Head
May we pay attention to God’s work. I heard a prayer recently that I love to repeat: Thank you, Lord, for the work You’re doing that I can’t see.
Wonderful message, Sylvia. God bless!
Sylvia Schroeder
Nancy, what a wonderful prayer. We forget that sometimes, don’t we. God is at work in ways we can’t see from our earthly angle. Thanks for your kindness in taking time to read and comment!
Linda Kline
Thank you for bringing Micaiah to my attention. I love this. I know God is always working even though sometimes for us it is hard to see. Thank you Sylvia..
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Linda! I’m glad you liked it. So good to hear from you!
Candyce
May we live like Micaiah, indeed. It’s a lonely place God will strengthen us.
Thanks for highlighting Micaiah’s story. It’s one easy to overlook with all the evil going on in Kings and Chronicles
Sylvia Schroeder
I know! The Kings and Chronicles can give some pause… but there are also those who followed God. And they stand out! Thanks so much Candyce for reading and commenting!
Barbara Latta
I love how God puts those (what seems like) small details in the Scriptures. I’m thankful for those like Micaiah who stood for truth. They are a an example and encouragement to all of us.
Sylvia Schroeder
I appreciate that comment Barbara. I have often thought of those obscure names in Scripture and wondered how they got there. Some were evil, and others great examples of God followers. I was happy to come across Micaiah. What an encouragement! Thanks!
Ralph Harvey
I Kings 18:22: Elijah was convinced that he was the only true prophet left!
I Kings 19:18: God told him that he still had 7,000 faithful prophets! Micaiah was just one of them!
Sylvia Schroeder
Such a good observation!! Thank you Ralph for that. How easy it is to feel so alone, when we need to be encouraged by the faithfulness of others. Thanks Ralph!!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Jana!