Man-pleasers or God-pleasers?

King Jehoshaphat was a godly king of Judah. His reign coincided with the rule of Ahab, Ahaziah and Joram (Jehoram) kings of Israel. We read about Ahab and Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings 22. When Jehoshaphat visited Ahab, Ahab invited Jehoshaphat to go to war with the Syrians to redeem Ramoth Gilead. Ramoth Gilead belonged to the tribe of Gad. It was a Levitical city and one of the cities of refuge east of river Jordan. But at that time, it was under the control of the Syrians and Ahab wanted to reclaim it. Jehoshaphat agreed to go with Ahab but wanted to inquire of the Lord before launching out in battle. Ahab immediately gathered 400 of his prophets who prophesied that they can go to war and that they will have victory.

We can actually feel the uneasiness and discomfort of Jehoshaphat when we read this portion! He asked Ahab, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?” (1 Kings 22:7). Then Ahab called Micaiah who brought the Word of the living God and said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd.” (1 Kings 22:17a). We all know the story very well.

As I read and reread the passage, I could not understand the action of king Jehoshaphat. It was he who wanted to hear from a prophet of the living God. And the message that came through Micaiah was very clear. It portrayed complete defeat! After all this, why did he align himself with Ahab and go to war?

Jehoshaphat, for some unknown reason, wanted to be on the good books of Ahab. He even allied himself with Ahab by marriage (2 Chron.18:1). That is why even after he heard the Word of the Lord through Micaiah, he went ahead with Ahab. I think Jehoshaphat did not want to upset Ahab! In spite of this, when Jehoshaphat cried out, God saved him that day!

Many times, we are also like that. Even when we know something is not quite right, we put our friends, family, bosses, projects or even our businesses ahead of God’s Word. We do not want to disagree and ‘spoil the mood’. We do not want to disagree and ‘lose an opportunity’. We are afraid to say ‘No’. We try to go along and be in the good books of people instead of God.

My friend, let us take time and look within our hearts today and answer the million-dollar question, whom do we really want to please, man or God. May God forgive us and empower us to take a stand for the Lord in all that we do.

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 21st June 2017 Share: newsletter

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