In the Old Testament Scriptures, we find something interesting that happens quite often but never ceases to amaze. God often relays to the rulers of the land through His prophets. And even at times, you will find that these rulers would do a good thing of inquiring from these prophets so they can hear from God what they are to do in certain circumstances, like before going into battle for example. The interesting thing is that even after hearing what God has to say some of these rulers choose to act upon something even when God told them the outcome would be bad. A good example of this is in 1 Kings 22. Ahab the king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel led a campaign against Syria. He was able to get the aid of Jehoshaphat the king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. However, before Jehoshaphat would go into battle with Ahab he required the king to get word from God through a prophet. Ahab reluctantly complied with Jehoshaphat’s request. The prophet then told him that not only would he be defeated but that Ahab himself would die in the battle.
Now here is the interesting part; Ahab had seen the work of God throughout his life, and every time a prophet was doing the work of the Lord in Ahab’s life, it came to pass. Ahab, hearing from the prophet that he would be defeated and even be killed, still chose to go to battle. It seems to be the opposite of what a rational person would do. But here is the important thing to take away from this event; we need to understand that what God declares will come to pass as He said. The good news is that for us today God has declared to us that we can obtain everlasting life through His Son. And as you will find over and over again throughout the Bible, what God says always comes to pass. So if everlasting life is something you seek Jesus is what you need.
Jacob Saarloos
