THE TRUE PROPHET OF GOD (PART 2) - THE TRUE PROPHET OF GOD IS WILLING TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF THE TRUTH

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                                                                   

The true prophet of God (Part 2) - The true prophet of God is willing to give his life for the sake of the truth

We know that there is a price associated with living in accordance with the truth. Christians who adhere to the Words of the Lord Jesus to live a life of meekness, or to turn the other cheek, or to forgive others are easily taken advantage of by the world. In a previous article, we examine the character of the true prophet of God, a man called Micaiah. Against the four hundred false prophets of King Ahab, Micaiah was determined to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

He said, “…As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.” 1 Kings 22:14. What is the price for speaking the truth of God’s Word and nothing but the truth? In the case of Micaiah, sticking to the truth of God’s Word may cost him his life. Yet without any doubt in his mind or any wavering in his heart, Micaiah was ready to speak God’s truth. Brothers and sisters, let us learn from the godly examples of these Bible characters. Men like the prophet Micaiah are worthy examples to be emulated. Like the Lord Jesus, they do not cower in the face of hostile men. Such courage are examples for us to learn and to obey.   

A. The truth told despite offending the kings and the false prophets   

The Prophet Micaiah made it clear that his message was different from that of the false prophets. In fact, when an officer was sent to “prep” him into giving a prophecy in agreement with the false prophets, he declared his stand for the truth. He made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Ahab-Jehoshaphat alliance will fail in their battle against the Syrians in Ramoth-Gilead.

“And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.” 1 Kings 22:19, 20

Whatever the false prophets had foretold, whatever dramatic enactment that Zedekiah the spokesman of the prophets had performed, this message was a stinging whip in their faces. God will allow the kings to be persuaded by these four hundred charlatans into a devastating defeat at Ramoth-Gilead. Thus, Micaiah offended the false prophets, but that is not all. King Ahab was incensed with the words of Micaiah. He had told Jehoshaphat earlier that Micaiah had never prophesied anything good for him. These words of Micaiah would have been like salt on his open wound. 

“And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.” 1 Kings 22:21-23

God’s Word is revealed – the whole deception of the false prophets and the evil idolatrous King Ahab will yield only failure and defeat. Dearly beloved, let us be aware of our stand for the truth. Speaking the truth of God’s Word may offend those whom we love and care about. Especially when we warn them for acting against God’s will. But better to warn than to remain silent when lives are at stake. Therefore, the servant of God must be unafraid to speak the truth.   

C. The truth may cost Micaiah his life

The evil King Ahab had a way to punish Micaiah. He was going to starve him in prison. Ahab’s intent was to deal with Micaiah when he had returned from the battle. Little did he know that he will lose his life and his troops will be scattered as the prophet of God had prophesied.

“And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.” 1 Kings 22:27,28

The prophet Micaiah was ready to stand by the truth of God’s Word. His words to Ahab was, if I have not spoken God’s Word, then you shall return in peace. What an offence to a king about to embark on a battle, to tell him that his defeat will surely happen. But in this, we see the courage of the prophet Micaiah. Dearly beloved, let us be ready to stand for the truth despite any opposition. If we preach and warn against sin, it is bound to offend some people. Yet if we preach not, or we do not warn others about the damnation of sin, we are not faithful to God’s Word. So as the Apostle Paul says,

“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:26,27  

May God bless us with courage to live a good testimony of obedience to the truth of God’s Word. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor