There are things kings should not say…
As I read this verse, this simple passage stands out to me…
Kings 22:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”
“The king should not say such a thing,” Jehoshaphat replied.
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
We are people of excellence, honor, kings and priest unto our God, subject to the King of all Kings, and Lord of all Lords, Jesus!
In today’s reading, we hear wicked king Ahab, speak evil of one of God’s prophets. Yet, Jehoshaphat will have none of it. He does not speak evil of Ahab, but honors his office and authority, even though Ahab was again speaking wrong things.
We too, must honor the position and office of leadership, whether it be in the political arena, church, military, or wherever we find authority in the earth. We may not agree with what they are saying or doing, and we need to exercise, as we say in America, our first amendment rights (freedom of speech) to correct them, but we can correct the action, while still respecting the office and authority of the person.
Presently, the President of the United States, Barack Obama, has public ally stood for abortion, same sex marriage, and has endorsed US military aid of the Muslim brotherhood, and stood often for Islam. As a Christian, I must call these things what they are, in light of the Word of God, wrong.
Yet, I can still pray for, honor, and bless the Presidential office, even when I am in vehement disagreement with these decisions of the President himself. We can disagree, without being disagreeable.
May this spirit of honor continue to rest upon the church, the government, the military as we confront the evils of our day, as we rise above it, and set an example of excellence, wisdom, love, and strength in this day we are called to live.
It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them.
Mark Twain.
‘Father, make us strong to speak truth, in love, honor, and strength, without compromise, while refusing to dishonor the positions of authority where people are saying and doing wrong things. May you change either the hearts of the leaders in those positions to do right, or the people in those positions that righteousness and truth might again exalt our nations, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’
