Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?

 

Thursday, October 12, 2023


Psalms 99; 100

1 Kings 22:1-28

Matthew 12:9-21


Observances: Elizabeth Fry, prison reformer (d. 1845); Edith Cavell, nurse (d. 1915)


Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?


In the movie World War Z, we learn that the modern Israeli government had managed to hold off the zombie hordes longer than any other country. This is because they had taken the rumours of a zombie infection seriously, adopting a national attitude of survival that asked if there is a table of ten men, listen to the one who disagrees. Unfortunately for them, the plot required for Jerusalem to fall to the zombies, and so we are still unsure if any nation has adopted this wise attitude.


Consider the scene set before us: the two kings of Israel and Judah, sitting on their thrones, making big promises to each other about war. Such unity of purpose for such a bloodthirsty endeavour. There they are, big men with big chests, sitting in the city gate so that all may admire their power and authority. But Jehoshaphat knows not all is well in Ahab’s soul, and does not trust his fellow king’s apostate churchmen. The dis-ease at which Jehoshaphat is put by the parade of “yes men” compels him to wisdom; are there any who disagree with this plan?


The forthcoming prophecy puts these two kings in such stark light it is embarrassing. There they are, puffed up on their little thrones, while God in heaven sits in the council, planning Ahab’s downfall. You may have noticed we do not have long until the end of 1 Kings – the division of the book of Kings does indeed end with a bang, and we are fast approaching it.


So we are left sitting with the question: is our good idea a good idea for God? He is in His council chambers, directing all of creation in such a way that will bring Him the most glory. The history of the church is flooded with faithful Christians who stood against the heresy of the masses. Our daily prayers are filled with observances of saints who died standing against the forces of popular human opinion in favour of God’s preference. Listen to the voice of God, even if it sounds like a bad idea, because God has a singular purpose: the increase of His glory through the kingdom of heaven. Thy will be done, O Lord – you know more than me.

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