"I Hate Him" May 28 Readings: 1 Kings 21-22, John 7:25–39, Psalm 68:15–21, Proverbs 14:5-6

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 Through the Bible in 2021


Bible Readings: 1 Kings 21-22, John 7:25–39, Psalm 68:15–21, Proverbs 14:5-6   


Daily Devotional: I Hate Him

Ahab hated Micaiah, the prophet. He hated him so much he wouldn't even consult him when Jehoshaphat wanted to get wisdom from a prophet of God. 1 Kings 22:8 states it clearly.

But I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.
Ahab had a point. A true prophet of God could not say anything good about the wicked Ahab, who lived in rebellion against God and his laws. Ahab had his yes-men around him who told him God was okay with him, that everything he did was good and that God would give him success. But Micaiah made it clear this was wrong. The prophets were not speaking for God, but for themselves.

Ahab rejected the truth that Micaiah prophesied and went out to war, threatening to kill Micaiah when he got home. He never came home. A stray arrow fulfilled the word of God against him and Ahab died that day.

There are two lessons we can take from this story.

First, the word of God is true even if it is uncomfortable. The Bible shows us our hearts, our sinful and arrogant souls - it shows us exactly who we are. And that truth is often uncomfortable. We like to think we are okay, to ignore our sin. But the Word of God doesn't do that. It exalts Christ, it humbles us and it demands our submission. And it is true.

Second, there is no blessing in ignoring God's Word. Ahab didn't like what God said, so he ignored it, and suffered a fatal injury for his hubris. Our duty is to listen to God's Word and to submit to it, whether we like it or not.

Ahab thought he could live by his own wisdom and follow his own rules. He did, and it cost him dearly. Neither can we succeed in life by rebelling from God's commands.

Father, I don't always like what your word says about me, but I realize its truth, its authority and I submit to it. You are my Lord and your Word is my truth. 

Consider God's Word:

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

The word of God can be harsh, unsettling, and challenging. But remember that it is better to submit to its truth and be transformed by it than to try to mold it to your will.
Have you ever considered the absolute arrogance of the person who demands that the word of God be molded to his or her desires, will, emotions, or convictions?





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