Pastor Bob DuPar
July 26, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:22-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3

Observation

King Ahab was pretty immature as evidenced by the fact that he said that he “hated” the prophet Micaiah because he never prophesied what the king wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat showed more wisdom in rebuking Ahab, “The king should not say that.”

Micaiah is pressured to prophesy like all the other prophets who feared Ahab and told him exactly what he wanted to hear. He chooses to speak the truth and gets slapped by the prophet Zedekiah who sarcastically questions whether he is listening to the same “spirit.” Zedekiah intended to intimidate Micaiah and discredit his testimony, but it did not work. Instead, Micaiah prophetically responds to Z. that one day when he’s hiding in a closet because M’s predictions come true – then he will know the truth!

Even though King Ahab disguises himself in the battle which M. warned him to withdraw from, a random arrow finds Ahab and fatally strikes him between his armor. Is that the sovereignty of God, or what?!

Paul’s teaching regarding Israel in Romans 9 is perhaps the clearest treatment in Scripture on why the Jews missed Christ:

“Because they pursued a law of righteousness by works rather than by faith. …they were/are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Romans 8:31-9:4)

Finally, what a blessed promise that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (9:13)

Application

Today’s reading challenged me to examine the motivation behind what I tell people. Do I tell people what I think they want to hear? Do I preach and teach merely what’s popular? Do I cave to peer pressure and parrot the party line? Or, do I preach and teach God’s truth despite the reaction, despite the consequences?

Prayer

“Lord, grant me courage to speak Your truth with uncompromising boldness. May I trust You with the outcome. May I trust You to honor Your Word and protect me as Your ambassador.”