Ahab apparently battled truth and reality. He wanted to hear good news so he chose to listen to false prophets. He was at least honest about his motives when discussing the matter with Jehoshaphat. That's more than I can say for myself at times. The Holy Spirit gives us guidance of right and wrong. He lets us know when we are trying to fool ourselves. God knows our hearts and is not fooled. Even after hearing God's Word from Micaiah, Ahab tried to change God's plan. He tried to change his impending death by manipulation. You have to wonder what Jehoshaphat was thinking when Ahab revealed the scheme. Maybe he wondered what he had gotten himself into! As we know, Ahab's scheme did not save his life. He was battling the Lord and the Lord won.
I have a lot of respect for Micaiah. I don't know whether he battled a lack of confidence, fear of delivering a tough message, or something else entirely. However, he was honorable in doing what he knew was right. He could only deliver a message that was spoken to him by God. Micaiah obviously trusted God to win the battle as he was doing his job.
Twice in these chapters, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord before battle. When he heard that the Edomites were headed his way, he led the people of Judah in fasting and prayer. "All of the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord." (20:13) Wow! Whether they were all physically "standing" together or they were unified by standing before the Lord in their hearts, that is a wonderful example of a nation turning to God. We could learn A LOT from that. The result? God told them that He would do the fighting and He did!
"For the battle is not yours, but God’s."
~ II Chronicles 20:15
~ II Chronicles 20:15
How hard do we try to fight battles that are not ours? I know I do on a daily basis. Lord, draw me to You. Teach me to trust You to fight. Remind me to rest in Your presence and promises!
