Today’s Reading is 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18, Matthew 2
Happy Tuesday – In today’s readings, you will hear the same story of Jehoshaphat joining forces with Ahab. After feeling like I read the same chapter twice, I landed on a few verses that spoke to my heart. I pray that you will also use His truth and reflect on them today.
1 Kings 22:5 5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”
2 Chronicles 18:4 4 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.”
Jehoshaphat was trying to remind Ahab – Seek first the Lord… Which is what we always need to be doing. Whether it is myself being reminded or reminding someone else, it should be our first go-to. I have tended to go to the Lord when I need earnest prayers. This could involve selfishness, greed, anger, untruths, pride, lust, suffering from duplicity… the list can go on. The three-letter word that encompasses it all is SIN.
I get in trouble., I’ll call on God and pray my way out of a situation or circumstance I behaved my way into. And then I wonder, what’s up, God? Why? When God is really asking me, “What’s up, Dave?” what’s wrong with you? I have given you MY WORD, and you still don’t listen.
In today’s reading, they were about to go to war. Jehoshaphat was telling Ahab to seek the Lord, but Ahab asked for advice from 400 other prophets. Sometimes I can act this way. I can seek an answer from this world’s many people, places, or things. When I need to turn to the one trustworthy source that can provide the peace only He can provide.
Lord, Help me not turn to myself or the world for answers. Help me to seek you earnestly and not run to you after I have decided to do things my way. Let me open my ears and heart to the stories shared today. Amen
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.