June 20th

June 20th

For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel. Then during the third year, King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel. During the visit, the king of Israel said to his officials, "Do you realize that the town of Ramoth-gilead belongs to us? And yet we've done nothing to recapture it from the king of Aram!" Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, "Will you join me in battle to recover Ramoth-gilead?" Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, "Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses." Then Jehoshaphat added, "But first let's find out what the LORD says." (1 Kings 22:1-5 NLT)

The most important line in this passage is the last one. "Let's find out what the Lord says." Here is where the difference between a good king and a horrible king shines through clearly. Who do they turn to when faced with a decision? (Good leader vs. horrible leader) Ahab turned to 400 "prophets" that he appointed. Jehoshaphat turned to the Lord. The outcome in this story is quite unique. Ahab tricks Jehoshaphat into wearing his robes, while Ahab disguises himself, and it almost worked. But God had other plans. One stray arrow. Prophecy fulfilled. Blood licked up by dogs. God is supreme. He doesn't lie. His plans come to fruition. The light of God shines through men of faith like Jehoshaphat, and it reveals the filth of the men that are far from Him, like Ahab.

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