June 26

June 26

Ahab (Northern King 22 years) -- Micaiah's prophecy, saying what God says, & Ahab's death.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: 2 Chronicles 18:1-4

Reading 2: 1 Kings 22:1-40

Reading 3: Jeremiah 42:1-6

Finally, we reach the end of the rule of wicked king Ahab. By way of dramatic contrast, it is godly king Jehoshaphat of Judah who causes the exchange between the prophet Micaiah and king Ahab.

God has already decreed the death of Ahab for his wickedness. Now the final episode plays out almost like a dramatic comedy: the armies aim only to kill the king, but Ahab goes into battle disguised while insisting that Jehoshaphat fights in his royal robes. Clearly, Ahab plans to use his godly comrade as a diversion and have him killed instead. But the army soon finds out the truth about Jehoshaphat and leaves him alone. Meanwhile, a random shot hits Ahab and causes his death. Even the cleaning of his chariot fulfilled the prophecy about his death from years before.

By contrast, the prophet Jeremiah had to bring hard news to the people of Judah (years after this). They respond to his declaration that he will say whatever the Lord says by promising, "Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you with our plea. For if we obey him, everything will turn out well for us."

Our lesson for today - whatever the message from God, if we obey, it will turn out well for us.

Have a great day!

Mark.