Sunday, July 06, 2014
Reading for today: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18
Quite an interesting reading today, this story of lying spirits and false prophets. It tells us that it is not always easy to discern the will of God and it also tells us that following the opinions of the “crowd” or even popular majority isn’t always following (listening to) God. We also, learn of the sovereign nature of God. God himself alone is good (Psalm 11:7 and Mark 10:18) and all that He created is good (Genesis 1) but sin entered into the world through free will (which is not evil in and of itself – only what is done with it, (ie separating ourselves from God, choosing to be disobedient) so God did not create evil but He does have authority over it and can send evil spirits to do his bidding (Job 1), but don’t forget what Romans 8:28 tells us. “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Just like in the story of Joseph and his brothers. (Genesis 50:20). Like Max Lucado says, God will do whatever it takes to make us His. (My paraphrasing.)
On a different note: Jehoshaphat did the right thing by asking for God’s direction but then he didn’t listen. Obedience is the key here, be obedient to God at all cost. The prophet did just that, even though he was punished for it. Obedience can come with a price. But better to be in disfavor with man than with God. I’m just sayin’.
Blessings
Pastor Kathy
I was wondering why Jehoshaphat would travel to see Ahab in the first place, and then I read that he had married into Ahabs family. While this marriage would be appropriate (unlike some of the women from other faiths that Solomon married) it put Jehoshaphat in a tricky political position. I'm sure he felt pressure to support his wife's family, which turns disastrous.
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