2 Chr. 18: 5-27

If you don't want to hear the answer, don't ask the question. That was Ahab's problem whenever he heard from Micaiah - the only true prophet in Israel. All of the others were "yes"men that merely stroked Ahab's ego and his ideas and rules. When Micaiah was going to be brought up to Ahab, he was "coached" as to what to say but being true to his calling, he could and would not. He spoke God's prophesy - the attack would fail and Ahab would be killed in the process. What was amazing was that Jehoshaphat didn't really buy in as well since he didn't back out of the attack.  From the commentary:

Micaiah had a vision. In it, he saw the LORD on his throne. He saw the army of heaven each side of the throne. God had intended the death of Ahab in the battle at Ramoth in Gilead. But someone had to convince Ahab to go to Ramoth in Gilead. Then a spirit said that he would convince Ahab. He would make all the prophets speak a lie. And God allowed that spirit to do it. No spirit from God would lie like this. The spirit was an evil spirit. But the LORD allowed it to come. God is in control over all things. But for a time he allows Satan (God’s chief enemy) to do evil things. Verses 23-24 An evil spirit had lied to all the prophets. And they all gave false prophecies. That is, all except Micaiah. Zedekiah could not believe that an evil spirit had put a lie in him. Such a statement made him angry. So, he hit Micaiah on the face. Zedekiah believed that the Spirit of the LORD had spoken to him. In his anger, he asked Micaiah a question. He did not believe that Micaiah had spoken words from the LORD. Micaiah answered the question. One day, Zedekiah will try to hide in shame. Then he will know that the Spirit of God was not in him. Probably this would be when his prophecy had failed.

How stubborn can one be? I guess we too are always guilty of ignoring the Lord and expecting his blessings. God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow. In the case of Zedekiah, he didn't have a history of being God's mouthpiece and his "man" so it was disgraceful that he would stand up to Micaiah and his relationship with the Lord.

Back to normal - sleepwise, finally! The weekend will be hectic since we have a wedding this Sat and the next and with church on Sunday, it will be gone before I know it. Waiting to hear from GG as far as my ticket and then I will book the return flight. Glad to hear that a friend is recovering well and beyond expectations from recent e-mails. God does heal and is still in the business in doing so.

Praise for today: The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29: 10-11