I Kings 22:8
‘And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, because he does not prophesy anything good regarding me, but only bad. He is Micaiah the son of Imlah.” But Jehoshaphat said, “May the king not say so.”’
Ahab was filtering out messages he didn’t like. Part of that is understandable, as we usually read sources that we like. This is like closing our ears to truth. We need to be open to what God says.
Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” There is an initial time when we open the door to Christ. However once He’s in us, He circulates around the house knocking on doors that we keep tightly closed.
He is slowly saving us from ourselves. Unfortunately, we can cling to something that is harming us. The entire range of addictions come to mind. God’s mercy fights hard against us. Romans 5:10 says, “For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved in His life!” We were committed enemies, but God was still trying to save us. He sent His Son to die for His enemies. Amazing.
He does give us free will, so there is a point where He will respect that and leave us to our own devices. God gave Pharaoh many chances, but his heart was hard. Many people live long lives. All the while, God is reaching out to them. Some recant, many don’t. Jesus shares a difficult truth in Matthew 7:13, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”
God wanted a people that would respond to and love Him. To have that, free will had to be part of life. Unfortunately, most don’t follow Him. He goes to great lengths to recruit them, but it’s their choice.
King Ahab was a fickle person. He did much evil, but would repent on occasion. God would give him another chance. This shows the extent of God’s mercy. Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy. We may be similar.
Proverbs 2:3-5 tells us what our attitude should be, “For if you cry out for insight, And raise your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And discover the knowledge of God.” We can grow into that. Early on in our walk with God, we are apprehensive. We fear of what God will ask of us. However, He loves us and wants the best for us. He blesses us more, then deeper we go in. Don’t be a minimalist when it comes to seeking God.
Lord, help us to be those who are open to Your truth. More than that, but to be those who seek after You.