What type of preaching is heard from our pulpits today? What is the character of the men who call themselves gospel preachers? Are they men of the book? Do they speak only “what the Lord saith” (1 Kings 22:14)? Do they stand in the counsel of God, turning those that hear to the way of the Lord (Jer. 23:21, 22)?
Encouraging the saints to endure grief, James pointed to the paragon of the prophets of old, “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience” (Jas. 5:10). The Old Testament prophets lived exemplary lives, not only in patient endurance but also in righteous conduct and spiritual stamina. One of the more enduring examples is Micaiah.
Micaiah was an oral prophet, contemporary with Elijah and King Ahab of Israel. He is mentioned in only one event during the life of Ahab (1 Kings 22; 2 Chron. 18), but the impact of his presence on the prophetic stage established him as an example to all who would declare God’s Word. From the inspired record (1 Kings 22:1-28), there are four lessons we can glean from the conflict between Micaiah and the infamous King.
Reputation. Micaiah had a reputation as a man of God.
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so (1 Kings 22:5-8).
Our reputations are established by our conversation and comportment. Micaiah distinguished himself from the false prophets and established himself as a man of God by his courageous conduct and soundness of speech.
Truth. Micaiah spoke only the Word of the Lord.
And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak (1 Kings 22:13-14).
Though encouraged to “tailor his tongue” to the accepted error of the false prophets, Micaiah stood resolute. He boldly announced that only the truth of God would flow from his mouth.
Skill to expose error. Micaiah turned the words of the false prophets against their purpose.
So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord (1 Kings 22:15-16)?
One can hear the words of the man of God dripping with sarcasm.
False prophet: “Please come and echo our words to the king. For he knows your words are from God.
Micaiah: “Of course, I will come and speak the truth.”
Ahab: “Shall we go to the battle?”
Micaiah: “By all means, Ahab, go and prosper! Undoubtedly, the Lord is on your side! ”
Micaiah skillfully took the “great swelling words” of Ahab’s “yes men” and used them, knowing that Ahab would demand the truth. Thus, Micaiah exposed the false prophets as frauds and pretenders.
Suffering. Micaiah spoke the truth of God, even to his own hurt (1 Kings 22:17-28).
And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you (1 Kings 22:26-28).
Faced with threats and certain suffering, Micaiah refused to waver. Rather than soften his words, he suffered. He did not stumble at tribulation but stood with God. Micaiah sided with God, whatever the consequence.
What an excellent example Micaiah is for preachers today. Let us ever guard our reputation by speaking only the words of God. Let us strive to develop the skill to effectively defend the truth and expose error (1 Pet. 3:15). Let us stand boldly in the truth, even when threatened with punishment. Let us follow the example of Micaiah. Let us preach like the prophets.