Living on Prayer

// INTRO

Jehoshaphat (Judah’s King - Good), was called up by Ahab (Israel’s King - Evil), to help him fight against Ramoth-Gilead (RG) (a fight that Ahab provoked when he killed an abundance of sheep and oxen).

Jehoshaphat says he will go into battle with Ahab, but first he must inquire of the Lord - what is God saying about the choice I’m about to make?

Ahab calls 400 prophets in and they are led by Zedekiah

Zedekiah gives this great presentation about how King Ahab will go into battle with “these iron horns” and have victory over Ramoth-gilead (RG)

The 399 other prophets agree and gave a good prophecy - they were tickling the ears of the king

Jehoshaphat was not settled, so he asked if there were any other prophets of God they could inquire of - we are getting a second opinion because our discernment is telling us something doesn’t feel right.

Ahab mentions, Michaiah, but also expresses how much he hates him because he never prophesies in Ahab’s favor.

Ahab sends for Michaiah to be brought from prison, most likely because he prophesied unfavorably towards Ahab

The prophecies that Michaiah was giving were not evil, they were the truth that God had told him to speak, but Ahab didn’t like that the truth was unfavorable.

There are times that the Bible will speak to an issue or behavior in life and it will make us frustrated because it goes against how we feel.

Anger

Lying or partial truth

Consuming destructive media

Putting yourself in a temping situation

1 Kings 22:13–16 ESV

13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 15 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go up and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 16 But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?”

Michaiah is standing before two kings, most likely in chains and rags from being in prison.

Micaiah knew what was said by the false prophets and comes out almost taunting the king.

Ahab is frustrated by this and demands that he give him the real prophecy.

Ahab is hoping that the words are true, and that Micaiah is just taunting him.

Micaiah delivers the real message that, if Israel goes to battle, they will lose and Ahab will be killed.”

1 Kings 22:17 ESV

17 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’ ”

Ahab is furious with this, but really Ahab is mad at God, he is just taking it out on the messenger

There are going to be times that you will stand up for truth or make decisions that are opposite of what the majority is saying.

The reality is, it doesn’t matter what anyone tells you as long as you know you are following the voice of God.

Testimony: there were people that thought it was wrong for us to come to Florida. There are going to be people that don’t understand the decisions that you make because they haven’t been alone with God and prayed about those decisions.

Micaiah goes on to prove why he is right and the others are wrong

1 Kings 22:19–21 ESV

19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; 20 and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’

Zedekiah comes forward and strikes Micaiah on the face and calls him a liar in front of everyone.

Micaiah’s response is priceless () - if you want to know the truth and not just follow the crowd, get in your inner chamber and see God.

1 Kings 22:25 ESV

25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.”

True freedom, to be who you want to be will come when you get alone with God and ask God what he thinks of you.