The popular view is not always the correct one. in 1 Kings 22 we see a situation about making plans without consulting God when Ahab and Jehoshaphat form an alliance against the king of Aram. Jeshoshaphat, king of Judah, has the wisdom to seek God about this, but Ahab is dismissive of the prophet Micaiah, the only prophet who has the courage to speak out against his plans. Micaiah is hated by Ahab ‘because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.’ (1 Kings 22:8)
It appears there were many ‘puppet’ prophets in Israel at that time who were all too willing to give the king the answer he wanted to hear (‘attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious, for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand.’ 1 Kings 22:12) They were happy to pressurise Micaiah into giving the same prophecy (1 Kings 22:13), but Micaiah was courageous enough to speak only what the Lord said to him. (1 Kings 22:14)
Micaiah’s prophecy was stark and earned the outrage of virtually everyone present (Zedekiah slapped him in the face, so great was his outrage! 1 Kings 22:24) But Micaiah remained steadfast, even when facing prison and the prospect of only bread and water. (1 Kings 22:25)
It’s never easy to swim against the tide, to hold alternative views. Ridicule, outrage, loneliness and self-doubt can all creep in and leave us tempted to follow the crowd for a quiet life. This is as relevant today as ever, when scorn and hostility to anything other than ‘mainstream’ opinions are so prevalent. But Micaiah reminds us that what really matters is seeking God’s mind in situations and being prepared to follow Him, no matter what.
