DAY09
What We Want to Hear
Today’s Bible Reading
2 Chronicles 18:5-27
I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.- 2 Chronicles 18:7
As human beings, we are prone to seek out information that supports the opinions we hold. Research shows that we’re actually twice as likely to look for information that supports our position. When we’re deeply committed to our own way of thinking, we avoid having that thinking challenged by opposing positions.
Such was the case in King Ahab’s rule over Israel. When he and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, discussed whether to go to war against Ramoth Gilead, Ahab gathered 400 prophets—men he’d appointed to that role himself and would therefore tell him what he wanted to hear—to help them decide. Each replied he should go, saying “God will give it into the king’s hand” (2 Chronicles 18:5). Jehoshaphat asked whether there was a prophet who had been chosen by God through whom they could inquire of the Lord. Ahab responded reluctantly because God’s prophet, Micaiah, “never prophesies anything good about [him], but always bad” (v. 7) Indeed, Micaiah indicated they wouldn’t be victorious, and the people would be “scattered on the hills” (v. 16).
In reading their story, I see how I too tend to avoid wise advice if it isn’t what I want to hear. In Ahab’s case, the result of listening to his “yes men”—400 prophets—was disastrous (v. 34). May we be willing to seek and listen to the voice of truth, God’s words in the Bible, even when it contradicts our personal preferences.
By Kirsten Holmberg
Questions:
1. Why did King Jehoshaphat ask, “Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can enquire of?” (2 Chronicles 18:6)?
2. What was the difference between what the 400 prophets of Ahab said (2 Chronicles 18:5, 10-11, 23) and what Micaiah the prophet of Yahweh said (2 Chronicles 18:1314, 16, 18-22, 24, 27)?
3. Look over the past seven days of devotions that we’ve been doing together. What has God been saying to you? List down below, one thing that sounds like good news to you, and one thing that sounds like bad news to you. Will you respond to God’s Word like King Jehoshaphat or like King Ahab?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to seek and heed Your counsel even when it’s against my desires or popular thought.