Monday, 10 June 2019

End of 1 Kings

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Question of the day: What is so amazing in the narrative at the end of 1 Kings?

Answer: The last chapter of 1 Kings is the 22nd chapter. It tells the story of the demise of the King of Israel. He is such an unsavory character, his name is avoided almost exclusively. Ahab is referred to, not by his name, but as "the king of Israel."

God sent a deceiving spirit to all the prophets. They all told Ahab to attack Ramot-gilead. Even the true prophet, Micaiah, (whose name means "refreshing" in Yiddish) spoke deceiving words until commanded to speak the truth by the king. Even then the king would not listen to him. But God was glorified.

This chapter (1 Kings 22) is a text on hearing from God. When we inquire of God, how do we know we are hearing God's spirit of truth? Or are we being deceived by a lying spirit or by our own desires?

Consider this ... 1 John 4:1-3 "Loved ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. You know the Ruach Elohim by this - every spirit that acknowledges that Messiah Yeshua has come in human flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Yeshua is not from God. This is the spirit of the anti-messiah, which you have heard is coming and now is already in the world."

We start here. Only God's Holy Spirit edifies (builds up) the name of Yeshua. Every liar tears down, creates doubt and offers no hope.

Secondly, every word from God is confirmed. 2 Corinthians 13:1b "By the testimony of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." Follow the example of Gideon and ask for a sign.

Matthew 16:4a "An evil and adulterous generation clamors for a sign, yet no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." This doesn't mean not to ask, just be sure we are not an evil and adulterous generation. And don't misunderstand "adultery". Adultery is having a heartfelt desire for what is not of God. It is rebellion against God's righteousness.

Blessings, R Michael