SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 22
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Ahab, king of Israel wants to fight with Ben Hadad, to get a city back. Asking Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, for help, he wants to seek direction from the Lord through the prophets. Ahab has prophets he likes, the ones who only tell him what he wants to hear. But Jehoshaphat insists on one that actually speaks for God. Micaiah is called, and after mocking the other prophets [vv.15-16], he describes a vision of God’s throne, where God directs the spiritual powers to determine the outcome of these worldly thrones. He declares Ahab’s defeat. Micaiah is arrested, and Ahab and Jehoshaphat go to war anyway. But Ahab, who goes in disguise, is ‘randomly’ killed, while Jehoshaphat, decked out in his royal colours, is spared.

Several themes come out in this passage. Discerning the Lord’s will before making decisions. Listening for God’s will, not just accepting what our itching ears want to hear. Trying to hide from God’s judgment, but not getting away with it. But the scene that stand out for me is this one: Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left. [1 Kings 22:19]. Compare this verse to an earlier one: Dressed in their royal robes, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them. [1 Kings 22:10]

What the author is doing is contrasting worldly authority and God’s authority. Behind human thrones, is God’s throne. Behind worldly powers, are spiritual powers. The rulers of this world are put there by God to rule with justice, truth, integrity and compassion. But sad to say, most do not. Therefore God has to restrict their powers, and direct the decisions to keep His world from being destroyed, and to restore His kingdom.

“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. [John 19:10-11] Behind Obama, behind Harper, behind Putin, behind Netanyahu, etc., there stands the Lord. All authority in heaven and earth belongs to Him. He is the King of the kings! He entrusts this world to us, but He will not allow us to destroy it. His death was arranged, as was His resurrection, as will be His final victory. Nothing is random, its all part of the plan. And one day He will return, in His royal splendour, and His kingdom will be complete!

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for this reminder that behind all things, You are still in charge. Help me to listen to, and follow You!