Ahab and Jehoshaphat were ready to join forces to recapture Ramoth Gilead.  Jehoshaphat made one wise request before pledging full support, “Let’s seek the counsel of the LORD.”  He knew that to make a decision with out inquiring of the LORD was to make a decision too quickly.

The LORD’s wisdom includes information about the seen and the unseen.  We see only part of the picture.  God knows what will happen.  He knows the hidden purposes he will accomplish.  His ways are higher than ours–but he has promised to reveal his wisdom if we ask for it.

The LORD’s wisdom isn’t always what we want to hear, either. Ahab was hesitant to call on the prophet Micaiah. He always prophesied what Ahab didn’t want to hear.  We sometimes surround ourselves with counselors who will only tell us what we want to hear.  But there is wisdom in seeking the LORD’s counsel from one who has the integrity to tell us the truth–even when the truth hurts.

Micaiah was asked by the messenger who sought him out to speak the same words as the other prophets.  His response was filled with wisdom, “As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what the LORD tells me.”  To speak in any other way is to become a false prophet.

Seek the LORD and his counsel.  When he speaks, listen, even if it isn’t what you want to hear.

When you are asked for counsel, seek the LORD and his wisdom first.  Don’t presume to know his will without seeking his counsel.  Don’t just tell people what they want to hear. Hear from the LORD and speak the truth even when it isn’t popular.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 136:10-22
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Proverbs 17:19-21

©2005 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due