“But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?”” – 1 Kings 22:7 

Scripture reading: 1 Kings 22:1-40

If ever there was a need for a true prophet to speak the truth, in politics, education, labor and science, and above all, in the church, the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15), that time is now. Yet, this is nothing new. Determined to regain Ramoth-gilead, Ahab only wanted “prophets” to confirm his will, however misguided, as God’s will. Like many preachers, today, who deliver just what their hearers want, his 400 “prophets” knew “what side their bread was buttered on.” Thus, with one voice they say, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” One of them, Zedekiah, acting like a moron with iron horns on his head, said, “With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.” False prophets can quote Scripture – his words come from Deuteronomy 33:17.

But Jehoshaphat wasn’t taken in by these pseudo-prophets. Thus, they call for Michaiah, who, as the apostate king complains, “Never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” In spite of the pressure to conform, Micaiah breaks with the monotony of the 400 and declares to the king the truth. The truth was confirmed when Ahab, rejecting it, and failing to take Ramoth-gilead, died in battle.

As you prepare to hear God’s word in church tomorrow, pray that your preacher may in no wise cave to identify with the 400, representing the majority of false prophets today, but with the 401st, who says, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak.” 

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that you may both hear and apply the Word of God to your life, as you read it today and hear it proclaimed from the pulpit tomorrow.

Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.