I Kings 22:34
‘Now one man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am severely wounded.”’
The prophet told them they would lose and that the leader, Ahab, would die. Ahab tried to trick Jehoshaphat, by giving him the kings clothes and the royal chariot, while Ahab wore the clothes of a common warrior. Initially the enemy fell for it and chased Jehoshaphat, but when they saw it wasn’t Ahab, they gave up the chase. Then today’s verse comes. It was decreed that Ahab would die. He should have listened. Maybe he didn’t have a choice. Maybe battle was imenent.
What I take away from this passage is that God’s will is going to be fulfilled. We may do our best to avoid it, but it will happen. This makes me think of death. I feel most think they will live until their 80’s. They don’t seem to prepare otherwise. I’m going to a funeral next week for a friend that died suddenly. It was a shock to us all.
The bible tells us what our attitude should be, to fear the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” To fear God means we believe what He says and we respond accordingly. In Ahab’s case, He should have prepared Himself for death. Make sure all is right with Him and the Lord. Instead, he sought to trick Him.
God gave all of us a general message for us to believe. Acts 16:31 says, ‘They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”’ God’s plan of salvation is through Jesus. We are to believe it. Next is the title Lord. We look to Him for life and moral guidance. He is a living God who wants to give input in our lives.
Most fear doing this, as they think it won’t be fun. Moses gives a good example in Hebrews 11:25, “choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin”. Yes, there is fun in sin for a while, but it ends in slavery and broken relationships. Verse 26 says, “considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward”. There it is. The world mocks Christ and those who follow Him. That used to be uncomfortable, but I’ve learned to agree with Moses. Jesus is a greater treasure.
Fearing God also means giving Him input in our daily lives an future. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” This is amazing. We’ve got the all wise God who created the universe giving us daily input in our lives.
He puts thoughts in our minds, He brings scripture to remembrance, He alters circumstances and so on. “It really is a wonderful life”, to quote Clarence the angel.
God gives us warnings. I dropped something glass the other day and it shattered. I initially thought it didn’t shatter, so bare footed I attempted to clean. My foot brushed up against some glass. I can’t say for sure, but I thought it was a warning. If I continued, I will bleed. So I got a broom. He doesn’t announce it as a warning from God. It’s just a thought. But I think He puts many of those there. Heed them.
Pastor Buddy Owens would pray, “Lord, I’m going to do this. If it’s a bad idea could You interfere?” I try to do that. Pray for His guidance. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.” He will guide us, if we ask.
He gives His Word, the bible, as His primary instructions. Some things aren’t biblical or moral. He will guide if He chooses there. Pray for it. Some times all options are good and He wants us to choose.
Lord, thank You for Your will. Help us to follow it.